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Robbins 

Journal  of  the 
Rev.  Ammi  R.  Robbins 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 

GIFT  OF 
Commodore  Byron  McCandless 


-7 


JOUR  FA  L 


REV.   AM  MI   R.   ROB  BINS, 


A  CHAPLAIN  IN  THE  AMERICAN' ARMY, 


NORTHERN    CAMPAIGN   OF   1776 


REV.   AMMI  R.   ROBBINS, 


A  CHAPLAIN  IN  THE  AMERICAN  ARMY, 


NORTHERN    CAMPAIGN  OF   1776, 


NEW    HAVEN: 

FEINTED     BY     B.     L.     HAMLEN, 
Printer  to  Yale  College. 

1850. 


JOURNAL. 


A  BRIEF  journal  of  some  of  the  more  remarkable  events 
in  my  tour  to  Canada. 

Monday,  March  18,  1776. — Took  an  affectionate  leave  of 
home,  came  to  Canaan,  met  the  Colonel  and  proceeded  with 
a  considerable  retinue  to  Sheffield.  Rev.  Mr.  Farrand* 
accompanied  us  ;  he  and  I  dined  at  brother  Keep's.f  Had 
a  most  agreeable  interview,  prayed  together  and  parted  in 
the  most  tender  and  friendly  manner.  Very  bad  riding,  but 
proceeded  to  Coles'  in  Nobletown  ;  lodged  comfortably. 

Tuesday,  19. — Rose  early,  and  in  company  rode  five 
miles  to  breakfast,  cheerful  and  comfortable ;  proceeded  to 
Kinderhook,  thence  to  Greenbush,  put  out  our  horses,  crossed 
the  river  at  dark  and  came  into  Albany;  lodged  pretty  well. 

Wednesday,  20. — Found  Colonel  Buel  and  Major  Sedg- 
wick,  agreed  to  put  up  with  them.  Drew  our  provisions  and 
lodged  on  the  floor  on  my  mattrass.  May  I  be  thankful  for 
such  comfortable  entertainment.  Went  twice  this  day  to 
visit  and  pray  with  a  poor  soldier  of  the  Pennsylvania  regi- 
ment under  sentence  of  death ;  he  appeared  much  affected 
but  dreadfully  ignorant. 

Thursday,  21. — All  the  troops  drawn  up  on  the  parade  and 
the  prisoner  brought  out  blindfolded  to  his  execution,  when 
the  General  (Schuyler)  stepped  forth  and  in  a  moving  and 
striking  speech,  pardoned  the  criminal.  P.  M.,  crossed  the 
river,  sent  off  my  horse,  wrote  two  letters,  visited  the  graves 

*  Of  Canaan. 

f  Rev.  John  Keep,  of  Sheffield,  whose  wife  was  a  sister  of  the  writer. 


956Q16 


of  those  who  died  in  the  French  war  in  this  place  ;  found 
my  dear  uncle  Foot's,  dropped  a  tear  over  it ;  returned  to 
my  soldier  home ;  slept  comfortably. 

Friday,  22. — We  attend  prayer  with  the  regiment,  morn- 
ing and  evening.  Rode  five  miles  to  see  a  sick  soldier, 
fear  he  cannot  live,  (Wright  of  Watson's  company.)  I  have 
much  respect  shown  me  as  chaplain  by  all  the  officers  with 
whom  I  live,  and  can  be  intimate  with  Colonel  Buel  on  seri- 
ous subjects.  We  live  in  family  way. 

Saturday,  23. — Cannon  arrived  from  New  York  to  go  for- 
ward. Walked  and  visited  the  sick ;  at  evening,  Mr.  Wat- 
son, a  trustee  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  waited  on  me  with 
a  request  to  preach  to-morrow ;  consented,  if  soldiers  ad- 
mitted. O  for  grace  to  bear  testimony  for  God  in  this  wick- 
ed city. 

Lord's  Day,  24. — Prayed  in  the  family,  then  on  parade 
with  the  regiment ;  at  10£  went  to  church,  preached  from 
Hosea,  "I  will  go  and  return  to  my  place  till  they  acknowl- 
edge their  offence  and  seek  my  face."  P.  M.,  Micah,  v,  5, 
"And  this  man  shall  be  the  peace."  Used  great  plainness  ; 
a  large  assembly  and  very  attentive ;  baptized  two  children. 
Kindly  entertained  after  meeting  at  Mr.  Smith's,  one  of  the 
church.  Elder  Ager  asks  me  to  preach  next  sabbath. 

Monday,  25. — After  prayers,  visited  four  sick  soldiers  of 
Capt.  Downs's  and  Capt.  Parmelee's  company  ;  am  thankful 
for  comfortable  health,  eat  and  sleep  well.  We  drink  no 
spirits  at  all,  and  I  find  it  best  unless  I  have  more  fatigue. 
Nothing  remarkable  to-day. 

Tuesday,  26. — Went  up  to  Still  water,  visited  David  Wright 
who  died  before  night.  Saw  our  people  at  Stillwater  who 
seemed  exceedingly  rejoiced  at  my  coming;  prayed  and  sung 
on  the  parade  at  night,  appointed  a  sermon  next  morning  at  1 0 
o'clock  ;  will  God  bless  his  truth ;  lodged  at  Esq.  Palmer's. 

Wednesday,  27. — Visited  the  sick  and  prayed  with  them, 
preached  at  10  o'clock  in  Mr.  Campbell's  meeting  house, 


dined  with  Esq.  Palmer ;  P.  M.,  returned  with  Doct.  Swift  to 
Albany;  cordially  received,  &c. 

Thursday,  28. — After  prayers,  attended  the  execution  of  a 
sentence  of  court  martial  upon  three  poor  Pennsylvania 
soldiers,  who  received  thirty-nine  lashes  each.  The  whole 
army  drawn  up. — P.  M.,  the  army  marched  round  the  city,  a 
formidable  appearance.  Wrote  to  my  father,  brother  Starr* 
and  my  wife  ;  General  Thomas  is  arrived  in  town. 

Friday,  29. — Dined  at  Elder  Edgars's,  gentlemanly  man 
and  pleasant  family ;  P.  M.,  viewed  the  movements  of  the 
Jersey  and  Pennsylvania  troops  in  a  large  field.  Wrote  by 
request  to  Lieut.  Wright  of  Winchester.  His  son  is  sick. 

Saturday,  30. — Visited  two  sick  soldiers,  fear  they  will  not 
live,  visited  sundry  under  officers  and  soldiers  who  showed 
me  much  respect  and  seemed  to  take  reproofs  well,  &c. — 
nothing  remarkable. 

Lord's  Day,  31. — Attended  again  in  the  Presbyterian 
churrh,  A.  M.,  preached  on  Christian  armor.  P.  M.,  Ex.  xxxiii, 
15.  "  If  thy  presence  go  not  with  me,  carry  us  not  up  hence." 
Great  assembly,  sundry  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania  officers  and 
others  ;  Gen.  Schuyler's  family  and  aid-de-camp  all  day,  was 
enabled  to  speak  with  great  freedom,  blessed  be  God.  Took 
refreshment  at  Mr.  Watson's,  visited  the  sick  at  the  barracks, 
was  amazingly  shocked  and  pained  to  see  the  wickedness  of 
the  people  of  the  city  and  the  land  on  the  Sabbath, — 'tis  a 
high  play  day ;  attended  evening  prayers  and  near  one 
thousand  people  flocked  round  from  their  diversions,  was 
enabled  to  be  large  and  solemn  in  prayer  for  this  poor  city 
and  the  ignorant  spectators. — Oh,  that  some  poor  wretch 
might  be  taken  hold  of ;  returned  to  my  quarters  excessively 
weary  and  spent ;  Col.  B.  is  a  kind  father,  brother  and  dear 
companion,  a  great  support  and  comfort  to  me,  may  I  be 
thankful. 

*  Rev.  Peter  Starr,  of  Warren,  whose  wife  was  a  sister  of  the  writer. 


6 

Monday,  April  1. — Slept  well  and  feel  greatly  strength- 
ened ;  was  applied  to,  to  baptize  a  child,  whose  father  is  of 
the  Church  of  England,  but  a  very  kind,  catholic  man  ;  wrote 
home  and  to  brother  Starr  ;  nothing  remarkable. 

Tuesday,  2. — Dined  at  Elder  Edgar's.  P.  M.,  attended  a 
funeral  of  one  of  Capt.  Troop's  company,  the  third  that  has 
died  in  the  regiment ;  spent  the  evening  with  Major  Thomas  j 
received  a  letter  from  brother  Chandler,*  reviving. 

Wednesday,  3. — We  received  orders  to  proceed,  I  came  in 
a  bateau  to  Half  Moon,  in  company  with  Col.  Duel ;  wrote  to 
brother  Starr. 

Thursday,  4. — I  marched  on  foot  with  the  Colonel  and 
under  officers  to  Stillvvater,  12  miles,  not  greatly  fatigued ; 
entertained  most  kindly  at  Esq.  Palmer's,  attended  prayers  at 
sunset  with  two  companies,  lodged  with  Col.  Duel. 

Friday,  5. — Proceeded  in  a  bateau  up  the  river  from  Still- 
water,  arrived  at  night  at  Saratoga,  spent  the  evening  agree- 
ably with  a  number  of  officers  at  Mr.  McNeil's,  lodged  well, 
blessed  be  God. 

Saturday,  6. — All  our  people  at  and  near  the  landing  ;  ex- 
ercised and  walked  around  with  the  officers  in  A.  M.  ;  sun- 
dry poorly  among  the  soldiers,  who  must  be  left  behind.  P. 
M.,  at  2  o'clock,  Col.  Btiel  and  I  set  out  and  came  to  Fort 
Edward,  lodged  at  Esq.  Smith's,  Fort  Edward  is  mouldering 
down,  it  compasses  more  than  an  acre  of  ground. 

Lord's  Day,  7. — Rose  early,  walked  four  miles  to  break- 
fast. It  rains  little,  though  called  to  march,  yet  a  pleasant 
Sabbath  ;  profitable  discourse  and  meditation,  sweet  to  think 
of  dear  friends  in  New  England  all  now  in  the  worship 
of  God,  and  praying  for  us.  We  walked  moderately,  sol- 
diers scattering  along,  but  we  by  ourselves  as  two  pilgrims  ; 
no  other  refreshment  for  eleven  miles  than  brook  water ; 
when  within  four  miles  of  lake  George,  stopped  to  view  the 
place  of  the  fight  in  the  year  1755,  and  the  manner  of  Col. 

*  Rev.  Chandler  Robbins,  D.D.,  Plymouth,  Mass. 


Whiting's  retreat,  saw  where  Col.  Williams  was  killed,  old 
Hendrick,  &c.  At  four  P.  M.  arrived  at  Lake  George,  went 
into  the  fort,  dined  comfortably  ;  at  eve,  sundry  officers  and 
soldiers  came  up,  gave  a  word  of  exhortation,  sung  and  prayed 
near  the  water,  the  poor  carpenters  very  attentive  and  solemn. 
Fort  William  Henry  is  so  gone,  that  scarcely  any  traces  are 
left.  Fort  George  is  a  small  stone  fort,  with  a  convenient 
brick  barrack  in  the  midst,  containing  six  rooms  for  soldiers. 
The  lake  is  much  less  than  I  expected,  environed  with  high 
craggy  mountains ;  a  convenient  wharf  at  the  end,  and  a 
large  number  of  fine  bateaux  about  it ;  barracks  built  for  the 
accommodation  of  several  regiments  of  soldiers.  The  ice  is 
very  rotten,  and  we  hope  will  be  gone  in  eight  or  ten  days ; 
Col.  Buel  has  the  command  here  till  we  proceed  down  the 
lake  to  Ticonderoga. 

Monday,  8. — Breakfasted  with  Col.  Buel  and  two  gentle- 
men of  Montreal,  one  of  whom,  is  just  arrived  from  England, 
entertaining  conversation,  &c. ;  walked  about  the  lake,  viewed 
the  works ;  there  are  about  a  hundred  new  and  large  bateaux, 
and  many  more  in  building  ;  dined  at  Jones'  with  the  same 
gentlemen,  walked  over  to  see  the  ruins  of  Fort  William 
Henry,  the  French  lines,  &c.  It  rains  this  P.  M.,  prayed 
and  sung  at  night  in  the  large  new  barrack,  great  numbers 
attended ;  this  day  two  companies  of  Pennsylvania  troops 
came  in,  and  sundry  of  ours,  numbers  are  left  sick  on  the 
road,  two  or  three  here  are  very  sick,  and  many  poorly  ;  how 
easy  'tis  for  God  to  bless  or  blast  our  designs. 

Tuesday,  9. — The  ice  on  the  lake  wastes  fast — our  troops 
come  in  thick,  and  two  companies  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Greens  arrived.  Pleasant  day. 

Wednesday,  10. — Sailed  on  the  lake  a  little  for  diversion, 
visited  Capt.  Watson's  company  who  live  in  tents  by  the 
east  mountain.  This  day  Col.  Buel  and  I  moved  into  the 
fort,  at  night  bags  and  baggage  came  ;  the  Jersey  regiment 
arrived. 


8 

Thursday,  11. — It  rained  hard  all  night,  high  winds  this 
morning,  the  lake  opens  fast ;  news  to-day  of  the  taking  of  a 
large  prize  by  the  American  fleet,  which  was  going  to  the 
southward — six  hundred  barrels  of  powder  and  two  hundred 
cannon.  News  of  Gen.  Spencer  with  five  regiments  com- 
ing after  us — rejoicing — at  night,  Gen.  Schuyler  arrived. 

Friday,  12. — It  snows  hard,  can  scarcely  go  out,  but 
visited  Gen.  Schuyler,  P.  M.  He  is  a  very  complaisant 
man,&c. 

Saturday,  13. — Visited  several  sick  in  the  Hospital,  no- 
thing very  remarkable ;  received  two  letters  from  home,  the 
first  gave  me  pain,  but  the  second  relieved  me,  giving  an  ac- 
count that  my  daughter  is  likely  to  live.  Oh,  that  I  might 
be  truly  thankful  and  weaned  from  worldly  enjoyments — 
many  officers  of  the  other  regiments  attended  prayers. 

Lord's  Day,  14. — Agreed  to  preach  in  the  lower  barrack, 
near  the  lake,  because  uncomfortable  abroad.  A.  M.,  preached 
from  Isa.  xxvii.  4,  5,  "  Fury  is  not  in  me :  who  would  set 
the  briers  and  thorns  against  me  in  battle?  I  would  go 
through  them,  I  would  burn  them  together.  Or  let  him  take 
hold  of  my  strength,  that  he  may  make  peace  with  me,  and 
he  shall  make  peace  with  me."  P.  M.,  Malachi,  iii.  2,  "  But 
who  may  abide  the  day  of  his  coming  ?  and  who  shall  stand 
when  he  appeareth  ?  for  he  is  like  a  refiner's  fire,  and  like 
fullers'  soap/''  P.  M.,  Gen.  Thomas  and  most  all  the  officers 
of  the  army  present — very  attentive — prayed  that  night  on 
parade,  and  was  much  wearied.  This  day  Lieut.  Gaylord 
died,  ten  miles  from  here  on  his  way  home,  the  fourth  in  our 
regiment — may  the  living  lay  it  to  heart. 

Monday,  15. — Very  pleasant  day,  general  court  martial. 
Capt.  Watson  to  be  tried,  accused  of  disorder,  &c.,  by 
Esq.  Smith  of  Fort  Edward,  is  acquitted  with  honor;  con- 
versed with  Gen.  Thomas  about  the  state  of  our  country, 
found  him  easy  and  communicative.  Gen.  Schuyler  gave 
me  the  offer  to  go  in  what  boat  I  pleased  to  Canada,  &c.  : 


this  day  Col.  Burrall  and  Doct.  Sutton  arrived,  received  a 
kind  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Farrand ;  general  orders  to-day  that 
our  regiment  be  ready  to  march  in  the  front. 

Tuesday ',  16. — Wet,  lowery  weather,  the  boats  all  assigned 
for  our  regiment.  Capt.  Watson  was  dismissed  yesterday, 
but  tried  again  to*day  ;  he  is  greatly  injured  by  Esq.  Smith : 
wrote  four  letters,  to  my  wife,  Joseph  Gaylord,  Rev.  Mr. 
Farrand  and  Rev.  Mr.  Bordwell  ;*  large  quantities  of  powder 
came. 

Wednesday,  17.^-Paraded  on  the  beach  at  daybreak,  but 
dismissed.  The  ice  not  broken  away  sufficiently  to  proceed. 
P.  M.,  Gen.  Thomas  with  his  crew  set  off,  broke  their  way 
through  the  ice  and  got  out  of  sight.  An  express  arrived 
from  Canada. 

Thursday,  18.— The  Jersey  Blues,  Col.  Shreve,  in  the 
front,  set  off  in  the  morning,  the  first  battalion  of  Pennsyl- 
vania followed,  we  expect  to  go  to-morrow.  The  camp  now 
is  in  general  health,  nothing  remarkable. 

Friday,  19. — My  own  health  is  good,  praise  to  God— I  am 
not  sensible  of  the  blessing  as  I  ought  to  be.  We  had  orders 
to  march,  arose  very  early,  packed  my  things  with  greatest 
expedition.  At  10  o'clock  embarked  in  the  rear  of  our  regi- 
ment, came  to  twelve  mile  island,  and  then  with  amazing  fa- 
tigue, almost  discouraged,  we  broke  through  the  ice  by  inches 
— the  weather  cold  and  inclement,  but  towards  night  got 
through  the  ice  to  the  narrows,  and  with  a  fine  gale  came  to 
Sabbath-day-point  at  dark,  twenty-four  miles  from  Fort 
George,  where  we  encamped ;  I  lodged  in  a  tent  on  the 
ground,  but  had  a  bed— feared  as  the  ground  was  so  wet  and 
cold,  it  would  be  attended  with  bad  consequences,  but  rested 
comfortably. 

Saturday,  20.— Rose  early  by  daybreak,  ran  round  the 
encampment  to  visit  the  sick  soldiers,  found  them  full  of  ex- 
pectation ;  we  breakfasted  and  being  prepared  to  embark, 

*  Of  Kent, 

2 


10 

met  at  the  water,  sung  arid  prayed,  then  set  off  for  the  land- 
ing at  the  month  of  Lake  George.  Landed  at  11  o'clock 
P.  M.,  and  the  army  was  in  motion  unloading  and  lading  the 
carriages  for  Ticonderoga,  which  is  three  miles  off.  I  walked 
with  the  Major  over  to  Ty.,  found  a  room,  we  moved  in,  sup- 
ped and  slept  well.  Here  are  great  and  surprising  works  of 
the  French,  still  to  be  seen.  This  is  a  most  advantageous 
point  of  land  on  which  the  Fort  stands,  which  seems  to  be 
the  center  to  command  South  Bay,  Lake  Champlain  and 
Lake  George.  Here  are  convenient  barracks,  &c.,  in  the 
Fort ;  a  few  New  York  forces  stationed  here,  but  oh,  'tis  im- 
possible to  describe  the  profaneness  and  wickedness  of  some 
of  these  men.  It  would  be  a  dreadful  hell  to  live  with  such 
creatures  forever. 

Lord's  Day,  21.— It  don't  feel  like  Sabbath  day,  but  I 
can't  forget  it,  none  seem  to  know  or  think  any  thing 
about  it.  Col.  Buel  and  the  Major  went  back  to  the  landing 
very  early — I  breakfasted  and  then  went  to  see  several  sick 
in  the  hospital — Oh,  'tis  terrible  to  be  sick  in  the  army,  such 
miserable  accommodations,  it  is  enough  to  kill  a  man's  spirit 
when  first  taken  to  go  into  the  hospital.  I  walked  round  and 
had  some  serious  conversation  with  one  Capt.  Baldwin  of  New 
Canaan.  Gen.  Schuyler  is  here  to-day,  Col.  Buel  back  and 
forth,  and  all  very  busy  in  getting  the  articles,  stores,  &c., 
over  to  this  place.  I  moved  to  have  a  lecture  at  least  to-day, 
but  'tis  discouraging,  no  time  or  leisure  for  any  thing.  After 
dinner,  at  2  o'clock  I  took  a  book  and  walked  out  in  the 
woods  two  hours  alone,  enjoyed  a  sweet  season,  and  enlarged 
— ^ommittere  meipsum  solo  Deo  et  in  svpplicationibus  pro 
amicis  absentibus,  fyc.  $'c. 

Walked  afterwards  to  a  house,  where  I  found  a  woman 
reading  to  her  husband.  It  did  me  good  to  see  any  body 
serious  and  remembering  in  any  degree  the  Sabbath — talked 
and  prayed  with  them,  returned  towards  night,  viewed  the 
place  of  Abercrombie's  defeat  in  1758.  Saw  many  holes 


11 

where  the  dead  were  flung  in,  and  numbers  of  human 
bones,  thigh,  arms,  &c.,  above  ground.  Oh,  the  horrors  of 
war.  It  seems  to  me,  I  never  so  much  longed  for  the  day 
to  approach  when  men  shall  learn  war  no  more,  and  the 
lion  and  lamb  lie  down  together.  I  have  reproved  sundry 
of  our  people  to-day  for  needless  disregard  of  the  Sabbath, 
and  1  hope  with  some  success. 

Mr.  Dean  with  several  of  the  Cocnowagas  set  off  from 
hence  to  Canada.  This  eve  received  a  letter  from  my  wife 
which  comforted  me. 

Monday,  22. — Rainy,  misty  weather.  Mr.  Wheelock  and 
Mr.  Hutchinson  from  Dartmouth  College  arrived  last  night 
by  the  way  of  South  Bay,  and  are  going  to  Canada ;  the  for- 
mer only  to  see  the  country  and  return  soon  ;  the  latter  to  be  a 
chaplain ;  he  appears  to  be  a  serious,  pretty  youth.  P.  M., 
spent  some  time  in  conversation  with  Col.  Shreve,  a  very 
valuable  man.  He  with  the  other  officers  talked  together  and 
he  begged  me  not  to  engage  with  another  regiment,  but 
since  I  was  like  to  have  the  care  of  two,  to  supply  them. 
Visited  the  hospitals,  &c.  Col.  Buel  received  orders  to  com- 
mand at  St.  John's,  and  is  appointed  Aid  to  the  General.  I 
arn  troubled  with  a  sore  eye,  painful,  but  slept  comfortably 
and  enjoy  good  health.  Gratias  Deo. 

Tuesday,  23. — Rose  early,  visited  the  hospitals,  prayed 
with  the  sick,  &c. ;  may  I  cheerfully  do  my  duty,  and  have 
grace  to  be  faithful.  The  common  military  stores  brought 
over  briskly.  P.  M.,  attended  the  funeral  of  one  of  Capt. 
Swift's  men;  his  company  present;  gave  a  serious  exhorta- 
tion at  the  grave,  and  prayed.  Fine  pleasant  weather,  hope 
to  go  on  soon. 

Wednesday,  24. — Visited  the  sick,  &c. ;  went  over  to  the 
Falls — general  orders  to-day  for  all  to  embark  to-morrow 
morning.  Doct.  Franklin  and  the  other  Commissioners*  went 

*  Mr.  Chase  and  Mr.  Carroll. 


12 

off  to-day ;  wrote  home  and  also  to  my  father,  to  Rev.  Mr. 
Mills*  and  brother  Keep.  Sent  cash,  7§  dollars,  to  my  wife 
by  one  John  Collins  of  Salisbury. 

Thursday,  25. — Rose  very  early,  all  in  the  utmost  hurry, 
preparing  to  embark.  Pleasant  day,  fair  breeze,  hoisted  sail 
at  10  o'clock  for  St.  Johns.  I  came  with  Col.  Buel  and  the 
Maj. ;  arrived  at  Crown  Point  at  3  o'clock,  walked  round 
and  viewed  the  fort,  barracks,  &c. ;  amazing  works !  pro- 
ceeded towards  night  in  the  front  of  all  our  regiments, 
came  to  Basin  Harbor,  spread  our  tents,  lodged  very  com- 
fortably. 

Friday,  26. — Rose  at  daybreak,  and  with  the  Jersey  reg- 
iment proceeded  with  a  sweet,  fair  gale,  came  to  Split  Rock, 
passed,  and  with  a  most  fine  wind  to  the  Four  Brothers.  At 
noon,  wind  shifted  and  it  rained  ;  wind  right  ahead  and  bois- 
terous sea,  was  a  little  exercised  in  the  midst  of  Cumberland 
Bay.  No  putting  about,  and  four  or  five  miles  to  land  ahead. 
However  pushed  on,  arrived  at  4  o'clock  at  Cumberland 
Head,  after  a  most  fatiguing  P.  M.  Great  cause  for  thank- 
fulness. It  is  fifty-five  miles  from  Crown  Point  to  Cumber- 
land Head ;  the  Lake  very  wide,  looks  like  the  Long  Island 
Sound,  with  islands  about  in  it. 

Saturday,  27. — Slept  well  in  tent  last  night;  Col.  Shreve 
and  seven  more  boats  encamped  near  us ;  pleasant  morning, 
drank  tea  and  at  five  o'clock  pushed  off;  very  still  and  clear. 
This  is  a  most  level,  beautiful  country,  no  mountains,  excel- 
lent land.  Passed  along  the  grand  Island,  which  is  thirty 
miles  in  length.  The  main  land,  an  extended  level,  all  in  a 
state  of  nature,  but  most  charming  to  behold.  At  12  arrived 
at  Point-au-Fere,  the  white  house  ;  landed  half  an  hour, 
catched  a  morsel  and  put  off,  soon  there  arose  a  fine  gale 
which  brought  us  into  the  narrow  Lake,  where  'tis  in  gen- 
eral not  half  a  mile  wide.  Came  past  Isle  Aux-Noix,  where 
Were  to  be  seen  the  ruins  of  the  old  French  fortifications 

*  Of  Torringford. 


13 

which  mounted  a  great  number  of  cannon;  wind  died  away, 
but  with  the  rain  rose  again  from  the  south,  by  means  of 
which  we  went  with  great  rapidity.  The  lake  is  now  a  nar- 
row, straight  river;  arrived  at  St.  Johns  at  6  P.  M.  Thus 
have  we  come  the  length  of  Champlain,  135  miles  in  three 
days.  St.  Johns  has  a  garrison  of  a  hundred  men,  under  Capt. 
Walker.  Viewed  the  effects  of  last  Fall's  siege,  &c.  Treat- 
ed with  great  civility  by  Capt.  Walker ;  supped  and  lodged 
well  in  our  markee ;  the  Lake  here  becomes  a  river  with  a 
swift  current  down  to  Chamblee ;  the  country  round  very 
level  and  good,  but  the  inhabitants  in  general  but  a  little 
above  a  state  of  heathenism.  Montreal  lies  twenty-five 
miles  to  the  west;  Capt.  Stevens  is  gone  to  join  Col.  Beadle 
at  the  Cedars,  forty  miles  west  of  Montreal,  and  Col.  Buel 
with  three  companies  is  to  be  here  and  at  Chamblee,  the  rest 
to  proceed,  so  that  we  are  like  to  be  very  much  broken  and 
scattered — and  the  prospects  at  Quebec  look  very  dark.  Oh 
that  I  might  he  enabled  to  trust  in  God,  and  not  be  afraid — 
tho'  the  earth  be  removed  and  nations  die,  Jehovah  lives  and 
reigns,  arid  blessed  be  my  Rock. 

Lord's  Day,  28. — Pleasant  morning,  walked  out  for  retire- 
ment. Breakfasted ;  had  pleasing  views  of  the  glorious  day 
of  universal  peace  and  spread  of  the  gospel  through  this 
vast  extended  country,  which  has  been  for  ages  the  dwell- 
ing of  Satan,  and  reign  of  Antichrist.  Wrote  to  my  wife ; 
at  10  o'clock  we  went  with  our  pilot  down  the  rapids,  and 
'tis  truly  astonishing  that  a  bateau  can  live  in  such  places. 
Arrived  safe  at  Chamblee  at  one  o'clock ;  found  Capt.  Bene- 
dict, who  received  and  treated  me  with  great  kindness — he 
has  been  under  an  arrest  by  Col.  Hazen  from  the  llth  inst. 
I  hope  to  know  the  issue  of  his  trial ;  live  with  him  in  a 
convenient  room.  This  evening  Col.  Burrall  arrived.  At 
sunset  by  request  went  and  gave  a  word  of  exhortation  and 
prayed  with  the  Jersey  regiment  on  the  parade — officers 
and  soldiers  very  solemn.  Many  boats  arrived  to-day. 


14 

Monday,  29. — Walked  about ;  got  acquainted  with  some 
of  the  people  who  treat  me  with  great  civility  ;  Jersey  reg- 
iment set  off  for  Quebec  with  a  fine  wind.  This  eve  mar- 
ried a  couple  who  live  here,  but  not  French,  and  of  the  Pro- 
testant religion.  Took  several  officers  with  me — a  very  de- 
cent wedding. 

Tuesday,  30. — Chamblee  is  a  beautiful  small  town,  situ- 
ated round  a  large  bay.  They  have  a  church,  I  walked  in, 
viewed  it  with  several  officers,  and  truly  my  soul  was  griev- 
ed to  see  their  superstition.  There  are  but  three  crucifixes 
in  this  church,  and  few  images;  saw  the  sacred  font,  holy 
altar,  candles,  &c.  A  lad  while  we  viewed,  came  towards 
the  altar,  kneeled  some  time  with  the  greatest  devotion.  Oh 
when  shall  Satan  be  bound  and  Antichrist  meet  a  final  over- 
throw ? — We  are  detained  for  the  cannon  to  be  brought 
from  St.  Thrace.  The  gundalow  has  come  down  the  rapids 
with  five  large  ones,  the  rest  come  by  land.  Second  battal- 
ion of  the  Pennsylvanians  arrived,  to  go  on  to-morrow  ;  near 
night  came  on  a  terrible  storm  of  wind  and  rain  ;  the  bateaux 
were  much  exposed,  and  the  powder,  but  the  men  exerted 
themselves  to  their  utmost,  and  it  was  secured.  It  rained 
hard,  and  towards  morning  snowed,  weather  very  cold. 

Wednesday,  May  1. — Remarkably  cold  for  this  season  of 
the  year,  Col.  Duel  gone  to  Gen.  Arnold  at  Montreal ;  un- 
happy disputes  between  him  and  Col.  Hazen.  Oh  how  easy 
it  is,  if  God  suffer  it,  to  have  the  country  destroyed  by  inter- 
nal broils  and  divisions.  Went  abroad  scarce  any,  so  cold 
and  turbulent  is  the  weather.  The  cannon  all  come ;  the 
commissioners  are  at  Montreal,  who  lay  plans  of  operations, 
&c. ;  things  look  dark — we  seem  in  an  enemy's  country,  and 
if  defeated  at  Quebec  we  are  surrounded  with  foes  on  every 
side,  but  it  is  a  groat  consolation  that  the  Lord  Jehovah  reigns 
and  orders  all  the  events  of  war  and  will  take  care  of  his 
own  cause. 


15 

Thursday,  2. — Weather  more  pleasant.  Col.  Hazen  disa- 
grees with  Col.  Burrell,  warm  dispute.  He  orders  Col.  Bur- 
rell  to  embark  directly  and  leave  the  powder  and  cannon  till 
further  orders.  He  refuses — sends  off  an  express  to  Arnold  at 
Montreal.  Lieut.  Col.  Allen  embarked  this  morning  with  six 
companies  of  his  battalion — fair  wind — we  are  waiting  for  in- 
structions to  proceed  ;  enjoy  good  health,  thanks  to  God,  and 
in  general,  good  spirits.  Col.  Bnel  arrived  from  Montreal,  and 
at  eve  Gen.  Arnold,  who  orders  the  gundalow  to  be  mounted 
with  cannon,  &c.  The  train,  Capt.  Bigelow,  arrived  this 
evening  ;  received  a  letter  from  home  by  J.  Lawrence ;  it  is 
comforting  but  very  tender.  I  never  can  forget  my  dear 
family,  or  lose  the  least  affection  for  them,  wherever  1  am. 

Friday,  3. — Rose  early;   Col.  Buel  received  positive  in- 
structions from  Gen.  Arnold,  with  warm  words  and  threats, 
to  proceed.     He  obeyed,  but  dispatched  an  express  to  Gen. 
Schuyler.     Very  busy  in  preparation  to  sail.     All  embarked 
at  12  o'clock  and  with  a  fine  gale ;  had  the  most  pleasant 
sail  I  ever  was  in,  without  the  least  need  of  rowing.     Came 
in  Capt.  Watson's  boat  with  the  Maj.    We  passed  St.  George's 
twenty  miles  from  Chamblee  at  2£  o'clock,  so  that  we  ran 
at  a  great  rate.     The  country  is  the  most  pleasant  I  ever  saw, 
small  houses,  but  close  to  the  river  each  side — perfectly  level 
from  the  banks  which  are  about  six  and  eight  feet  from  the 
water.     'Tis  grievous  and  affecting  to  see  the  superstition — 
every  mile  and  sometimes  oftener  I  find  a  cross  fixed,  and  on 
some  the  spear,  sponge,  hammer,  nails,  &c.     Five  miles  from 
St.  George's  we  passed  St.  Dennis,   where  is  also  a  church 
and  nunnery — saw  the  nuns  at  the  door  as  we  passed,  &c. 
Smart  wind — we  go  at  the  rate  of  six  or  seven  miles  an  hour ; 
arrived  at  sunset.    Stopped  at  Col.  Dnggan's,  he  not  at  home ; 
supped  very  lightly — had  a  very  ill  turn,  vomiting ;  sat  up 
late  but  slept  comfortably  three  or  four  hours.     Col.  Duggan 
is  engaged  in  the  service ;  his  wife  can't  speak  a  word  of 
English,  but  very  friendly  and  polite — a  little  son  interprets. 
The  Colonel  has  gone  to  Montreal. 


16 

Saturday,  4.— At  sunrise  embarked.  It  rained  till  10  ;  we 
passed  the  mouth  of  the  Sorrel,  where  is  another  beautiful 
town,  then  entered  the  Grand  Lake.  Side  wind,  very  rough. 
I  never  had  so  clear  an  idea  of  the  hazards  and  fatigues  of 
sailors  and  soldiers  as  this  day.  Poorly  and  weak,  and  the 
sea  made  me  very  sick,  vomited  till  I  could  vomit  no  more. 
Sundry  sick  on  board,  but  with  great  difficulty  put  away  to 
the  leeward  into  the  Bay  of  St.  Anthony.  Came  to  the 
Senior  De  Jacy,  who  entertained  us  exceeding  kindly.  Three 
boats.  Supped  on  tea,  refreshed,  having  eaten  nothing  for 
twenty-four  hours.  By  leave  of  the  man  of  the  house.  I 
gave  a  word  of  exhortation,  we  sung  and  prayed ;  went  to 
rest,  concerned  for  several  boats  behind. 

Lord's  Day,  5. — As  cold  last  night  as  it  is  with  us  in  New 
England  in  March.  Wind  high  all  night,  at  a  loss  about 
proceeding,  because  wind  ahead ;  breakfasted  at  seven  o'clock  ; 
acknowledged  the  kindness  of  the  people  which  is  indeed 
remarkable.  Took  a  walk  with  the  officers  ;  at  nine  o'clock 
wind  died  away,  set  out,  met  with  four  boats  who  lay  in  the 
drowned  land  all  night ;  great  fatigue,  but  all  well ;  only  Capt. 
Parmelee  lost  his  masts.  This  part  of  the  river  is  called 
Wide  Lake  ;  you  can't  see  across.  Pleasant  day,  but  cold. 
Rowed  along,  little  wind,  northwest.  We  passed  the  mouth 
of  the  Great  Lake  which  is  five  miles  wide,  where  a  river 
comes  in  from  the  east.  Landed  on  the  south  shore  and 
waited  for  other  boats  to  come  up.  Some  passed  the  night 
in  the  boats  in  the  drowned  land,  with  great  fatigue,  but  no 
lives  lost.  Discoursed  to  the  people  in  our  boat,  on  the  mil- 
lenium.  Took  refreshment  and  sailed  down  to  Trois  Riv- 
ieres, where  all  put  up  in  the  Barracks.  'Tis  a  beautiful 
town,  about  as  large  as  Plymouth,  situated  on  the  river. 
Some  troops  stationed  here.  Discouraging  news  from  Que- 
bec, about  small  pox.  Our  soldiers  come  back  in  great  num- 
bers, on  our  near  approach  to  head  quarters. 


17 

Monday,  6. — Rose  early  and  embarked,  wind  ahead, 
rowed  heavily  under  the  banks  of  the  north  shore,  the  river 
in  general  about  four  miles  wide.  Met  three  or  four  vessels 
— no  news.  Rowed  about  four  miles,  put  in  a  creek  ;  went 
up  and  breakfasted  ;  set  off  at  about  10  o'clock  ;  the  pilot  in 
Col.  Buel's  boat  ahead.  The  north  shore  is  good  land,  cul- 
tivated and  inhabited  all  along,  but  the  opposite  locks  like 
a  desolate  wilderness ;  vast  cakes  and  bodies  of  ice  ;  'tia 
very  cold,  equal  to  winter,  this  morning  ;  at  noon  very 
calm ;  rowed  down,  banks  very  high,  passed  troops  every 
five  or  six  miles  but  the  river  very  wide.  Exercised  with 
sickness,  vomiting  severely,  very  weak.  At  sunset  arrived 
at  Dechambalt,  where  our  orders  were  to  stop.  Found  an 
intrenchment  begun  ;  went  to  bed  in  the  Parsonage  house. 

Tuesday,  7. — We  were  alarmed  at  2  o'clock  this  morning 
by  two  expresses  from  Quebec,  giving  account  of  the  arri- 
val of  the  fleet,  fifteen  sail,  who  yesterday  came  along  by 
Quebec;  our  poor  feeble,  sickly  army  is  obliged  to  retreat 
with  great  precipitancy.  Great  numbers  sick  with  the  small 
pox  we  had  to  leave,  and  some  others  ;  the  ships  pursuing  up 
the  river,  firing  at  our  army  on  the  land  arid  in  the  bateaux. 
This  is  the  most  terrible  day  I  ever  saw.  God  of  armies, 
help  us.  Three  ships  came  near  by  us,  firing  as  they  came, 
and  our  boats  and  people  in  a  scattered  condition,  com- 
ing up.  Distress  and  anxiety  in  every  countenance.  The 
small  pox  thick  among  us,  from  the  poor  fugitives  that 
come  up;  we  are  in  hourly  expectation  of  the  ships  attack- 
ing us — our  boats,  provisions,  &c.  The  whole  conspired  to 
give  an  idea  of  distress.  At  11  Gen.  Thomas  came  up  and 
immediately  a  council  of  war  was  called,  Gen.  Wooster 
present  and  a  great  number  of  gentlemen.  The  result  is,  to 
retreat  with  the  whole  army  back  to  the  river  Sorrel  (130 
miles),  as  in  case  of  a  defeat  here,  'twill  be  absolutely  fatal. 
Saw  Rev.  Mr.  Evans,  Mr.  Spring,  &c.,  brother  chaplains,  worn 
out  with  fatigue,  &c.  Many  officers  lost  all,  to  the  clothes 
3 


18 

on  their  backs.  Gen.  Wooster  goes  by  water  \rith  the  boats  ; 
Gen.  Thomas  brings  up  the  rear  by  land.  All  the  men  ex- 
cept enough  for  rowing  and  the  invalids,  go  by  land.  I  am 
still  unwell,  very  much  weakened  with  the  disorder  that  has 
attended  me  these  four  days  past:  am  obliged  to  go  by  wa- 
ter; went  with  Gen.  Wooster  who  is  as  kind  to  me  as  a  fa- 
ther. We  set  sail  at  sunset — the  other  boats  to  follow — came 
several  leagues;  ran  on  the  reefs  twice,  but  through  mercy, 
no  damage.  Wind  high  and  current  strong,  but  with  great 
difficulty  put  into  the  east  shore  ;  went  up  the  high  banks  to 
a  house  at  2  o'clock  and  slept  two  hours.  The  boatmen  sing 
a  very  pretty  air  to  "  Row  the  boat  row"  which  ran  in  my 
head  when  half  asleep,  nor  could  I  put  it  entirely  out  of 
mind  amid  all  our  gloom  and  terror,  with  the  water  up  to 
my  knees  as  I  lay  in  the  boat.  My  difficulty  was,  one  pas- 
sage I  could  not  get. 

Wednesday,  8. — Wind  ahead,  but  a  mercy  to  the  army, 
as  the  ships  can't  proceed.  We  rowed  against  wind  and 
strong  current  about  ten  miles  and  put  up  in  a  convenient 
house  at  2  o'clock.  Dined  and  tried  to  rest ;  it  rained  :  boats 
coming  on,  and  people  by  land.  Wind  so  strong,  concluded 
to  tarry  the  night ;  slept,  but  often  waked  by  the  sentinels, 
noises,  &c. 

Thursday,  9. — Rose  early,  breakfasted  and  set  off  at  seven 
o'clock.  Calm,  but  sailing  slow  against  the  current ;  several 
boats  in  sight  and  men  on  shore.  Called  nine  miles  short  of 
Trois  Rivieres.  Dined  very  well.  Profitable  conversation 
with  Gen.  Wooster  and  Maj.  Lockwood.  Proceeded  and 
came  to  Trois  Rivieres  at  dark,  in  a  very  thick  fog.  Went 
up  to  Sill's,  supped  and  lodged  ;  i.  e.,  one  nap  of  three  hours. 
Great  are  the  fatigues  of  our  march,  enough  to  destroy  the 
strongest  constitution.  My  eyes  very  sore,  but  otherwise 
as  well  as  can  be  expected.  Praise  to  God. 

Friday,  10. — Serene  and  very  calm  weather,  and  'tis  a 
great  mercy  as  the  ships  can  by  no  means  move  on  and  the 


19 

army  may.  We  took  a  dish  of  tea  at  sunrise  and  proceeded 
up  towards  the  great  lake,  called  St.  Peter's  Lake.  Heard  of 
the  army  being  attacked  by  land,  but  nothing  remarkable. 
The  people  here  grow  more  insolent,  but  we  have  no  fears 
from  them  as  yet.  Proceeded  slow  because  strong  currents 
out  of  the  Grand  Lake,  came  up  to  the  mouth  of  it  and  put 
in  the  south  side.  Struck  fire  and  cooked  some  dinner,  fish, 
&c.  At  noon  proceeded.  Col.  Nicholson  in  company  in  an- 
other boat.  Wind  ahead,  obliged  to  put  into  the  river  east 
side  of  St.  Anthony's  Bay.  Lodged — Capt.  Goforth  carne 
up  an  express  to  New  York. 

Saturday,  11. — Feel  poorly,  and  much  worn  out,  dis- 
tressed for  the  army  ;  surely  our  cause  is  good  arid  we  shall 
prosper.  We  have  to  endure  continual  hardships,  and  little 
sleep,  but  having  obtained  help  we  are  enabled  to  proceed  on 
our  way.  Early,  before  sunrise,  entered  St.  Peter's  lake. 
Perfect  cairn,  rowed  within  five  miles  of  west  end,  when  a 
hard  gale  came  ahead,  and  we  were  in  a  terrible  situation, 
but  through  mercy,  near  night,  got  through  into  a  narrow 
river,  which  leads  to  Sorrel.  Lodged,  much  fatigued — came 
up  with  my  boy  and  chest,  which  arrived  safe  before  me. 
Numbers  arriving  and  many  with  small  pox,  was  a  little  anx- 
ious about  my  boy  who  has  undoubtedly  taken  it  in  the  boat. 

Lord's  Day,  12. — Rowed  up  to  Sorrel,  landed  at  9  o'clock. 
Found  two  Boston  regiments  arrived,  also  sundry  others, 
found  Mr.  Barnum,  Mr.  Breck,  Mr.  McCawlay,  Mr.  Spring 
and  Mr.  Evans,*  but  no  public  exercise  to-day,  as  troops  are 
in  such  confusion.  Conversed  with  sundry  gentlemen,  who 
indeed  feel  greatly  distressed  ;  our  days  are  days  of  darkness. 
I  put  up  with  Col.  Burrall,  half  a  mile  from  the  encampment. 
People  keep  coining  in,  and  such  as  we  expected  were  cer- 
tainly taken.  No  news  from  Gen.  Thomas.  Feel  very 
gloomy  to-day  on  every  account,  low  in  spirits  by  reason  of 
my  disorder  which  has  brought  me  down,  which  together 

*  Chaplains. 


20 

with  the  fatigues  and  fearful  forebodings,  has  been  almost 
too  much.  Still  I  believe  our  cause  is  just,  and  we  shall 
prosper.  Received  letters  from  Rev.  Mr.  Farrand,  brother 
Keep,  and  my  wife  to-day,  and  wrote  to  each  of  them  by  a 
Sheffield  man ;  attended  prayers  with  Mr.  Barnum,  in  Col. 
Oration's  regiment ;  had  conversation  in  the  evening  with 
the  Chaplains,  subject  between  Mr.  McCawlay  and  myself 
about  the  accomplishment  of  the  promises,  differ  a  little  about 
the  millenium. 

Monday,  13.— -Walked  out  this  morning  into  the  camp, 
which  now  makes  a  very  considerable  appearance.  Our  regi- 
ment almost  all  back,  but  a  few  scattering  ones  in  boats. 
Gen.  Arnold  is  come  from  Montreal ;  they  are  erecting  the  old 
battery  to  command  the  river,  but  a  strange  discouragement 
seems  to  prevail  in  the  army  among  the  officers.  There  is 
jealousy  and  want  of  confidence,  we  are  in  a  most  critical 
situation.  P.  M.,  Mr.  Barnum  and  Mr.  Spring  came  to  see 
me,  we  all  attended  prayers  at  night  with  Col.  Gratton's  and 
,Col.  Bond's  regiments.  The  small  pox  strikes  terror  into  our 
troops. 

Tuesday,  14. — Rose  .early,  walked  out,  agreed  for  a  boat 
to  Chamblee — concluded  to  go  in  Gen.  Wooster's,  on  account 
of  my  taking  medicine  and  having  my  boy  with  the  Doctor. 
P.  M.j  set  off,  head  wind,  strong  current,  came  to  Col.  Dug- 
gan's,  entertained  kindly,  went  to  bed  at  twelve,  slept  com- 
fortably a  few  hours. 

Wednesday,  15. — Rose  early,  breakfasted  and  set  off,  high 
wind  ahead,  met  a  number  of  boats  carrying  fresh  troops 
down  ;  came  slow,  I  walked  on  shore.  At  noon  lay  by  till  5 
.o'clock  ;  proceeded  to  St.  Dennis,  lodged,  slept  better  than 
sometimes. 

Thursday,  1.6. —Rose  early,  came  to  St.  Charles',  the  wind 
North  ;  good  for  us,  but  fear  the  ships  will  come  along  from 
below.  Took  breakfast  at  eleven  and  proceeded.  Find  my- 
self feeble,  yet  hitherto  God  hath  helped  me.  We  arrived  at 


21 

Chamblee  near  night,  all  in  confusion.  Here  we  are  in  a 
great  country  and  know  not  who  are  friends  or  who  are  ene- 
mies. The  Canadians  full  of  trouble,  &c.,  in  short,  our  army 
in  a  most  sad  state,  no  provisions,  nor  supplies,  only  men; 
nor  half  enough  of  them.  Found  Doct.  Sutton  ;  put  up, 
lodged  but  disturbed  by  noise  and  confusion  through  the 
night.  Gen.  Wooster  is  determined  to  go  to  Montreal  before 
leaving  the  country  ;  multitudes  are  moving  down,  Warner's, 
Cady's,  Arnold's,  &c.,  they  will  not  stay,  though  all  is  lost. 

Friday,  17. — Very  feeble,  walked  out,  advised  with  Gen. 
Wooster,  who  gave  me  a  permit  to  go  to  New  England  when 
I  please,  talked  with  the  Doctor  about  it,  am  at  loss,  may  I 
be  directed  to  what  is  best.  On  the  whole  conclude  'tis 
really  my  duty  to  go.  Found  Mr.  Eli  Pettibone  who  is  in 
Col.  Warner's  regiment,  concluded  to  go  with  them  as  it  is 
next  to  impossible,  if  not  utterly  so,  to  get  an  opportunity 
this  month.  Talked  freely  with  Stephen  (my  boy)  who  is 
willing  to  return  and  join  the  regiment,  however  tried  to  ob- 
tain leave  of  the  General  for  him,  but  could  not.  Towards 
night  made  a  sack  and  put  up  my  clothes.  Col.  Warner  con- 
sents that  I  go  with  his  people,  though  very  much  crowded. 
Supped,  went  to  bed,  but  noise  and  confusion  in  the  house 
and  abroad,  prevented  me  from  getting  much  sleep  or  rest. 

Saturday,  18. — Was  called  on  in  the  morning  to  go  soon  ; 
wrote  two  letters,  to  Col.  Burrall  and  Mr.  Spring — gave  Mr. 
Spring  two  shirts  if  he  stays,  one  if  not.  Left  several  things 
with  Stephen  to  dispose  of,  took  the  rest  and  set  off  for  St. 
Johns.  Got  another  soldier  to  carry  my  pack — walked,  but 
very  feeble.  Stephen  came  with  me  two  or  three  miles,  I 
inoculated  him  again  this  morning,  trust  he  will  do  well,  left 
him  somewhat  cheerful.  He  has  desired  me  to  give  his  duty, 
&c.,  to  his  parents  and  tell  them  he  has  no  desire  to  return. 
I  walked  on  moderately  to  St.  Johns,  a  great  part  of  the  way 
alone.  Stephen  brought  me  a  small  bit  of  bread,  which  at 
3  o'clock  I  ate,  being  very  faint,  and  I  think  if  ever  I  re- 


22 

ceived  a  meal  with  a  grateful  heart,  it  was  that.  I  arrived 
at  St.  Johns  at  sunset,  and  in  the  midst  of  the  throng,  found 
to  my  great  surprise,  Capt.  Mayhew,  Lieut.  Warren  and  sev- 
eral Plymouth  people.  Capt.  Mayhew  has  his  whole  com- 
pany here,  he  commands  the  garrison. 

Remarkable  Providence. — All  out  of  provisions  here  and 
at  Chamblee  and  elsewhere,  but  while  struck  with  terror  and 
apprehension,  five  boats  appeared  in  sight  with  a  great  num- 
ber of  barrels  of  pork — In  the  mount,  God  appears.  It  is  Sat- 
urday night,  but  all  is  confusion.  Maj.  Safford  of  Bennington 
is  very  kind  to  me,  he  gives  me  the  offer  to  go  with  him  in 
his  boat  in  the  morning  ;  saw  Rev.  Mr.  Kingsley  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Dean  who  were  going  to  Albany. 

Lord's  Day,  19. — News  from  the  Cedars,  that  there  is  an 
attack.  Four  hundred  regulars,  about  two  hundred  Indians 
and  Canadians;  Col.  Beadle,  Patterson,  &c.,  opposed  them — 
know  not  the  event.  Slept  scarce  any  last  night,  my 
diarrhea  returned  with  great  violence,  ceased  about  10,  just 
as  we  were  ready  to  march  :  assembled  on  the  beach,  sung 
and  prayed,  and  where,  weak  as  I  was.  I  gave  a  word  of  ex- 
hortation, and  the  people  seemed  solemn.  No  sooner  was  the 
exercise  over  than  an  express  arrived  from  Montreal,  to  take 
back  three  of  our  boats  with  provisions,  which  put  a  stop  to 
our  embarkation.  Capt.  Mayhew  showed  me  much  kindness, 
breakfasted  with  him,  saw  a  number  of  Plymouth  people. 
At  11  o'clock  found  time  and  place  to  lie  down  and  drowse, 
which  evidently  refreshed  me,  but  was  extremely  weak. 
Oh,  what  can  I  not  undergo  and  be  supported  through,  if 
God  be  with  me.  At  2  o'clock  begged  a  mouthful  of  fresh 
meat  which  was  cooked,  and  though  my  stomach  was  so 
weak  as  to  loathe,  yet  it  seemed  to  strengthen  me.  At  3 
o'clock  a  detachment  of  Gen.  Sullivan's  came  in,  with  six 
boats  and  a  hundred  barrels  of  pork.  At  4  o'clock  we  set 
off,  I  came  with  Capt.  Pearson  of  Stockbridge,  Rev.  Mr. 
Ripley  and  Rev.  Mr.  Dean  in  company,  rode  as  far  as  Isle 


Aux-Noix  at  dark.  My  diarrhea  continued — very  weak,  took 
some  brandy  toddy  with  a  bit  of  sea  bread  and  lay  down  by 
the  side  of  a  barn  and  slept  three  hours. 

Monday,  20. — My  disorder  continued — very  weak — com- 
mitted myself  to  God.  Was  called  at  3  o'clock  and  at  4  we  set 
off.  My  spirits  a  little  revived,  but  oh,  how  weak  ;  bit  a  morsel 
of  sea  bread,  but  had  not  moisture  enough  to  swallow  only 
by  the  help  of  lake  water.  Pleasant  calm  morning,  we 
rowed  on  to  Point-au-Fere,  the  white  house,  got  a  breakfast 
of  tea  with  a  little  milk  which  seemed  to  revive  me,  but  af- 
terwards was  exercised  with  great  pain — faint  and  weak — 
yet  hitherto  God  hath  helped  me.  Arrived  at  the  white 
house  at  3  o'clock,  tarried  an  hour  and  proceeded,  wind 
ahead,  six  miles  and  lodged  under  some  bushes — poor  ac- 
commodations but  such  as  soldiers  often  have.  It  was  very 
windy  and  rained  some,  but  I  slept  on  the  ground  ;  have 
not  undressed  or  pulled  off  my  boots  for  three  days  and  two 
nights. 

Tuesday,  21. — Rose  at  3  o'clock,  at  the  dawn  of  day  a 
gun  fired,  we  all  rallied,  prepared  to  set  out  before  sunrise, 
a  fair  wind  from  the  north,  lake  rough  and  boisterous ;  called 
at  Cumberland  Head,  catched  a  morsel  of  cheese  and  a  bit 
of  sea  bread,  but  this  with  lake  water  rather  increased  my 
pain  and  disorder.  We  proceeded,  but  with  a  degree  of  anx- 
iety, the  lake  very  rough,  but  we  bore  away  and  went  at 
a  prodigious  rate,  and  ran  to  Esq.  Gilliland's,  forty  miles,  irt 
six  hours.  I  long  to  feel  terra  firma.  Sundry  were  greatly 
surprised,  but  we  arrived  safe  and  put  up  at  Gilliland's  Creek 
at  3  o'clock  ;  were  most  kindly  received  and  entertained  by 
that  hospitable  man.  Spent  the  afternoon  with  him — he 
came  from  New  York,  settled  here,  has  fourteen  hundred 
and  fifty  acres  of  land,  and  owns  Cumberland  Head.  We 
had  some  excellent  spruce  beer,  which  greatly  revived  me, 
my  disorder  seemed  to  abate,  it  is  now  about  thirty  miles  to 
the  Point.  We  supped  agreeably  on  tea  and  fish,  and  I  lay 


24 

in  a  good  bed,  slept  well.     Ah,  what  mercy  and  kindness  I 
experience  every  moment. 

Wednesday,  22. — A  frost  last  night  but  pleasant  to-day, 
rose  early,  took  a  dish  of  tea  and  came  off  at  seven  ;  Esq. 
Gilliland  accompanied  us  to  the  boat,  with  all  the  marks  of 
kindness  possible.  He  is  truly  a  benefactor.  Wind  ahead, 
we  rowed  under  the  west  shore,  but  heavily,  and  the  stupid 
soldiers  grumbled  much  about  proceeding,  though  the  Capt., 
Mr.  Ripley,  Mr.  Dean  and  I  readily  took  our  turns  at  rowing, 
called  at  a  point  about  two  miles,  swarms  of  flies  and  mus- 
quitoes ;  held  a  council  about  proceeding  as  the  lake  grew 
very  rough  and  the  wind  high  ahead,  but  on  the  whole  con- 
cluded to  try  for  the  next  house,  two  miles.  About  half 
went  on  shore  and  the  rest  in  the  boat,  we  double-manned 
and  strove  hard  and  came  to  a  bay  where  we  harbored — two 
houses — John  Grant's  and  his  father-in-law's,  who  live  brave- 
ly. We  dined  on  some  veal  at  Grant's  very  comfortably,  then 
rested,  slept,  &c.,  waiting  for  the  wind  to  fall.  I  got  two 
shirts  washed,  all  my  linen  being  soiled.  I  feel  weak,  and 
find  that  a  little  labor,  walking  and  rowing,  seems  to  out-do 
me,  but  blessed  be  God,  have  better  health  than  some  days 
past.  This  is  twenty-four  miles  from  Crown  Point,  lake 
here  about  eight  miles  wide,  three  miles  to  Split  Rock 
whence  the  lake  is  in  general  about  one  to  two  miles  wide  all 
the  way  to  Ticonderoga.  The  wind  continued  strong  all  day. 
Supped  on  some  milk,  which  is  quite  new  ;  agreed  to  go  by 
day  light  in  the  morning,  sung  and  prayed  and  went  to  rest. 
Thursday,  23. — Rose  early,  wind  fallen,  we  went  on 
board  at  sunrise,  met  a  large  number  of  boats,  a  sloop,  &c. 
Gen.  Silliman's  brigade  :  grew  cloudy  and  wind  rose  fair,  put 
away  and  came  adrift  to  Bason  Harbor,  no  great  accommo- 
dations for  refreshment — put  off  to  Crown  Point  where  we 
arrived  at  12  o'clock,  took  refreshment,  dined  on  chocolate, 
at  2  set  off,  Capt.  Parsons  left  us,  came  to  Ticonderoga  at  6 
o'clock  when  the  instant  we  landed.  Capt.  Bronson  and  Capt. 


26 

Hopkins  were  setting  off  for  Skenesborough,  who  gave  me 
an  invitation  to  embark  with  them  ;  we  came  ten  miles  up 
South  Bay  and  encamped,  made  out  some  supper,  had  a  bet- 
ter appetite.  We  lay  down,  the  heavens  our  shelter,  and 
slept ;  Oh,  I  want  nothing  so  much  as  a  grateful  mind. 

Friday r,  24. — Rose  early,  i.  e.  at  3  o'clock,  alarmed,  and 
set  off;  pleasant,  still  morning,  but  very  chilly  and  cold — • 
this  bay  is  hemmed  in  with  mountains  and  rocks,  generally 
about  half  a  mile  wide  or  three  quarters.  Passed  on,  agree- 
able conversation,  ate  a  cake  that  Capt.  Hopkins  gave  me, 
and  at  noon  we  arrived  at  Skenesborough  ;  I  got  a  soldier  to 
carry  my  pack  and  walked  a  mile,  bringing  only  my  cloak 
and  gun  and  was  all  in  a  tremor.  I  was  not  sensible  of  my 
weakness,  must  hire  a  horse,  I  cannot  proceed ;  I  think  I 
know  in  some  degree  now,  what  hardship  is.  We  dined 
comfortably  at  2  o'clock  near  the  landing.  Could  get  no 
horse,  got  my  things  carried  and  traveled  three  or  four  miles 
to  Capt.  Burrough's  who  agreed  to  go  with  Capt.  Bronson 
and  me  to-morrow  to  Rupert  and  find  us  horses.  We  tar* 
ried  all  night ;  this  evening  felt  poorly  and  very  gloomy,  but 
after  a  dish  of  tea  felt  more  comfortable.  Begin  to  hear 
news  from  below.  Oh,  the  distracted  state  of  this  poor  un- 
happy country  ;  it's  a  comfort  that  the  Lord  reigns. 

Saturday,  25. — Rose  at  daylight,  took  a  dish  of  tea  and 
set  out.  Very  disagreeable,  gay  horse,  worried  me,  terrible 
road,  hideous  country,  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Pollet,  called  and 
dined  at  one  Allen's  who  moved  from  Woodbury — found 
his  wife  to  be  Sarah  Parmelee — she  appeared  to  be  a  real 
Christian.  She  really  revived  my  heart  by  pious  conversa- 
tion. Here  is  a  saint,  in  the  wilderness,  yet  in  the  light; 
humble^  meek  and  lowly,  but  an  heir  of  all  things.  We  pro- 
ceeded on  to  Billard's,  could  get  no  refreshment  but  some 
water  with  a  piece  of  toasted  bread  which  revived  me. 
Came  to  Rupert,  to  Capt.  Smith's,  who  lives  cleverly,  and 
4 


26 

was  most  kindly  received  ;  retired  to  bed  full  of  experience 
of  Divine  goodness. 

Lord's  Day,  26. — Walked  out,  it  rained  a  little  ;  concluded 
not  to  attempt  to  preach  unless  a  short  discourse  in  the  P.  M. 
People  gathered,  I  met  with  them.  My  bowels  yearned  to  see 
so  many  come  and  some  six  or  seven  miles,  as  sheep  without  a 
shepherd — but  dare  not  preach,  so  feeble  and  weak ;  however, 
made  the  concluding  prayer  and  an  application  to  what  was 
read,  and  told  the  people,  would  try  to  preach  in  the  P.  M. 
O  what  a  fine  opportunity  for  faithful  preachers  to  do  good  in 
these  Grants,  (Royal  Grants.)  I  feel  as  if  I  want  to  come 
and  ride  about  from  place  to  place  and  preach ;  there  appears 
a  great  desire  among  the  people,  at  least  many  of  them,  to 
hear  the  Gospel.  P.  M.,  preached  in  the  barn  to  a  great 
number  of  people  who  were  very  attentive  ;  my  strength  was 
evidently  spent  before  I  finished  my  sermon,  but  got  through 
comfortably.  Sat  up  late  for  religious  conversation. 

Monday,  27. — Find  it  difficult  to  be  supplied  with  a  horse. 
Walked  about  and  visited,  find  I  gain  strength,  yet  am  so 
thin,  that  people  who  have  seen  me  before,  scarce  know  me. 
Soldiers  push  along,  I  doubt  not  the  small-pox  will  be  spread 
all  over  the  country.  Major  Safford  arrived,  and  went  on  to 
Bennington.  Urged  that  I  preach  a  lecture  there,  but  dare 
not  engage.  Went  to  Capt.  Smith's — officers  and  soldiers 
came  in  ;  news  of  Johnson  and  the  Mohawks  going  on  a 
private  expedition.  Lieut.  Frisbie  came,  lodged  with  me — 
late  when  we  retired,  but  so  much  noise  among  the  sol- 
diers, got  little  sleep. 

Tuesday,  28. — Capt.  Smith  procured  horses  for  us,  started 
and  came  to  Dorset,  then  to  Manchester  and  proceeded  to 
Sunderland,  dined  at  Capt.  Brownson's,  came  to  Arlington, 
bought  a  few  articles  at  Hall's — then  to  Shaftbury  and  pro- 
ceeded to  Benuington,  lodged  at  Mr.  Dewey;s.  He  is  truly 
a  charming  man.  1  greatly  like  the  regulations  of  his 
Church — he  has  a  hundred  fold  in  this  life. 


27 

Wednesday,  29. — Rode  with  Mr.  Devvey.  He  urged  me 
to  preach  a  lecture  appointed,  but  obliged  to  refuse  for  want 
of  health.  Called  ou  Major  Safford,  went  to  the  lecture,  Mr. 
Dewey  preached  well.  Rode  to  Mr.  Mills',  he  concluded 
to  let  me  have  a  horse  to  Lanesborough  and  a  little  boy  to 
bring  it  back.  News  of  the  secret  confederacy  of  Tories  and 
the  discovery  of  their  plot.  People  this  way  are  much  in 
fear  on  account  of  internal  enemies.  O,  what  will  become 
of  this  unhappy  country,  we  are  distressed  and  perplexed, 
cast  down  but  not  destroyed.  What  a  consoling  thought, 
that  the  Lord,  He.  is  our  King.  Retired  after  serious  conver- 
sation in  the  eve  with  Mr.  Mills. 

Thursday,  30. — Prepare  to  leave,  hired  a  boy  who  went 
on  foot  but  kept  pace  with  me.  Came  to  Williamstown,  then 
to  Lanesborongh  at  night,  cordially  received  by  my  dear 
friend  and  classmate,  Mr.  Collins.  He  has  a  pleasant  family 
and  lives  agreeably  in  these  boisterous  times.  Sweet  even- 
ing's conversation — retired  late  after  having  experienced 
much  of  the  goodness  of  God. 

Friday,  31. — Paid  and  dismissed  the  lad  with  the  horse, 
walked  about  with  Mr.  Collins,  concluded  to  tarry  here  until 
to-morrow,  if  not  over  the  Sabbath.  Conversed  about  the 
disorderly  state  of  the  country,  &c. — in  the  evening,  on  some 
divinity  subjects. 

Saturday,  June  1. — It  rains  hard  this  morning.  Heard  a 
rumor  of  Col.  Beadle  having  had  a  battle,  with  the  loss  of  a 
hundred  men  and  driving  the  enemy,  but  it  is  I  believe,  un- 
certain. Read  some  bat  feel  very  feeble,  fear  I  have  broken 
my  constitution  in  the  campaign,  but  ought  not  to  be  too  so- 
licitious  about  any  thing.  At  the  earnest  request  of  Mr.  Col- 
lins I  have  concluded  to  attempt  to  deliver  a  discourse  to- 
morrow. Rode  out,  had  agreeable  conversation  about  the 
intelligence  from  Africa,  and  hopeful  prospects  of  the  spread 
of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  there,  am  convinced  it  is  duty 
to  cast  in  our  mite. 


Lord's  Day,  2. — Rainy  morning  ;  Mr.  Collins  preach- 
ed from  "  This  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world, 
even  our  faith."  P.  M.,  I  preached  with  considerable 
freedom — "  This  man  shall  be  the  Peace."  Excessively 
tired,  fear  I  shall  be  unable  to  preach  for  some  time.  The 
soldiers  can  call  me  any  thing  else  now,  but  a  pulpit  drum. 
At  six  o'clock,  Mr.  Lewis  from  my  house  came  in,  I  was  sur- 
prised but  glad  to  hear  from  home — not  a  little  struck  with 
the  tidings  from  Branford,  relative  to  my  dear  mother's  illness. 
We  have  every  reason  to  believe  she  prefers  her  Redeemer's 
kingdom. 

Monday,  3. — After  packing,  set  off  with  Mr.  Collins  for 
Rev.  Mr.  Munson's,  Lenox,  then  to  Rev.  Mr.  West's,  Stock- 
bridge,  pleasing  conversation. 

Tuesday,  4.< — Rode  in  company  with  Mr.  West  and  Col- 
lins to  Mr.  Farrand's,  attended  the  Association.  Delivered 
to  Mrs.  Sutton  a  hundred  dollars  I  had  in  charge  from  her 
husband. 

Wednesday,  5. — Rode  home  and  found  my  dear  family 
well,  after  having  experienced  and  seen  the  most  abundant 
displays  of  Divine  goodness  and  mercy.  O  for  true  gratitude. 

Tuesday,  July  2. — Took  leave  again  of  dear  friends  at 
home  to  join  the  regiment.  Will  God  be  with  me  and  keep 
me  in  this  way  that  I  go  :  came  to  Sheffield,  Mr.  Carnp  with 
me,  and  stayed  the  night. 

Wednesday,  3.«—  Set  off  for  Albany,  came  to  Miller's 
twelve  mile  short. 

Thursday,  4. — Came  into  Albany,  saw  Mr.  Trumbull, 
drew  thirty  dollars— gave  a  receipt,  (duplicate.)  one  to 
him  and  one  to  Mr.  Winslow.  Bought  sundry  things  and 
saw  many  friends. 

Friday,  5. -—Left  Albany  and  proceeded  to  Stillwater. 

Saturday,  6. — Proceeded  to  Saratoga,  then  to  Fort  Ed- 
ward, lodged  at  Mr.  Selah's. 


29 

Lord's  Day,  7. — Arrived  safe  at  Lake  George  at  ten 
o'clock,  found  Col.  Buel,  glad  to  see  me,  visited  the  small- 
pox hospital,  prayed — dreadful  suffering.  At  five  o'clock, 
Mr.  Camp  set  off  for  home.  At  six  o'clock,  had  a  religious 
exercise,  preached  from  Rev.  "  Fear  God  and  give  glory  to 
him,  for  the  hour  of  his  judgments  is  come."  Attentive  as- 
sembly— stayed  with  Col.  Buel,  rose  at  four  o'clock  and  con- 
cluded to  cross  the  lake  with  the  express  ;  fine  day,  but  wind 
ahead.  We  stopped  at  the  narrows,  took  dinner  and  pro- 
ceeded to  Sabbath-day-point — wind  ahead,  went  on,  but  ar- 
rived at  sunset.  Lodged  at  Adams'  with  Capt.  Martin,  who 
is  my  company  to  the  Point. 

Tuesday,  9. — Got  our  baggage  over  and  walked  to  Ticon- 
deroga,  where  at  eleven  o'clock  we  went  on  board  with  Col. 
Warner,  and  with  a  very  fine  gale  run  down  to  the  Point  in 
three  hours.  Found  our  regiment  who  were  exceedingly 
rejoiced  to  see  me — all — officers  and  soldiers.  The  camp 
in  a  most  sickly  state,  ten  or  twelve  in  some  instances  have 
been  buried  in  one  day,  but  at  present  the  sickness  abates, 
through  mercy.  At  evening,  met,  had  a  most  solemn  and 
affectionate  season  of  prayer  and  exhortation  ;  slept  with 
Doct.  Riley  in  Capt.  Watson's  markee. 

Wednesday,  10. — Attended  prayers  and  sung,  saw  all 
our  people,  many  poorly,  besides  the  great  numbers  gone  to 
Lake  George.  Alas,  the  camp  is  in  a  most  pitiful  situation, 
a  great  many  sick  and  complaining.  The  chaplains  come  to 
see  me — went  with  Mr.  Avery  to  the  hospitals  and  never 
was  such  a  picture  of  wretchedness — men  not  alive,  and  men 
breathing  their  last.  This  day  unhappy  difference  between 
Doct.  Sutton  and  Lieut.  Converse.  Miserable  creatures  we 
are,  not  to  let  alone  contentions  when  marching  in  such  a 
broad  phalanx  to  the  grave.  Slept  on  the  ground. 

Thursday,  11. — Rainy  all  day;  Lieut.  Riley  very  poorly 
— uncomfortable  in  the  tent  from  rain.  P.  M.,  visited  Col. 
Patterson,  Mr.  Avery  and  a  number  of  officers.  All  look 
down,  and  gloomy.  We  want  good  generalship. 


30 

Friday,  12. — Pleasant  day;  Stephen  taken  unwell.  I  keep 
well  hitherto.  Wrote  home  and  to  Rev.  Mr.  Kirkland.* 
Heavy  shower ;  tents  are  very  miserable  shelter  in  a  hard 
rain.  We  attend  prayers  every  night  and  morning  and  gen- 
erally sing.  Visited  the  sick  in  Col.  Reed's  regiment  near 
by  us — also  the  worst  cases  reported  in  the  small-pox  room. 
Towards  night  attended  on  an  audit  to  settle  unhappy  differ- 
ence between  Doct.  Sntton  and  Lieut.  Converse. 

Saturday,  13. — Feel  pretty  well  tho'  stomach-sick  at 
turns  because  of  the  terrible  nausea  in  the  camp  and  hos- 
pitals. Visited  the  hospitals  and  other  sick.  P.  M.,  con- 
cluded our  audit,  and  with  great  unanimity.  In  the  evening 
had  intimate  and  serious  conversation  with  Capt.  P.  and 
Lieut.  S.,  two  I  hope  real  Christians.  Slept  in  the  tent  on 
ground  very  well. 

Lord's  Day,  14. — Many  sick  with  camp  distemper;  Lieut. 
Riley  no  better.  Doct.  Sutton  very  poorly.  Preached  A.  M. 
in  the  Fort.  Two  chaplains  present  and  numbers  from 
other  regiments.  Appointed  a  second  sermon  at  four  o'clock. 
A  vast  concourse  of  people ;  the  General  and  great  num- 
bers of  the  principal  officers  attended  ;  preached  from  Isaiah 
vi,  7th  and  8th  verses,  more  particularly  the  eighth.  "  Also 
I  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  saying,  whom  shall  I  send, 
and  who  will  go  for  us  ?  Then  said  I.  here  am  I ;  send  me." 
Spoke  with  freedom,  drank  tea  with  the  General  afterwards — 

complimented  by ,  but  may  I  be  more  concerned  to 

please  God,  and  less  to  please  men.  I  sleep  on  the  ground 
comfortably,  in  Capt.  Parmelee's  Fort.  News  from  New 
York,  very  good,  by  an  express  to  the  General. 

Monday,  15. — Orders  to  get  ready  to  go  to  Ticonderoga. 
Visited  and  received  visits  from  the  chaplains  ;  agreeable  con- 
versation. 

Tuesday,  16. — Busy  after  prayers  in  preparation  ;  at  ten 
o'clock  embarked  for  Ticonderoga,  head  wind,  rainy  but  ar- 
rived at  sunset.  Lodged  in  the  Fort  with  Capt.  Tim.  Collins. 

*  Missionary  among  the  Oneida  Indians. 


31 

Wednesday,  17. — Troubled  with  constant  pains  in  my 
stomach,  yet  keep  about  comfortably.  By  advice  conclude 
to  go  to  Lake  George,  to  make  a  visit  a  few  days  to  the  sick, 
and  the  rest  of  our  regiment  which  is  nearly  one  half.  Sick 
arrive  to  be  sent  on.  At  five  o'clock  P.M.,  went  with  Lieut. 
Doty  to  the  landing.  Lodged  on  some  boards  on  the  wharf 
with  Capt.  Pioneer  a  settler,  who  showed  me  great  kindness. 

Thursday,  18. — Rained  all  day — kept  in  a  tent — uncom- 
fortable at  night,  went  with  Capt.  Parmelee  to  Mr.  Spavins, 
where  we  lodged  well.  This  day  visited  Gen.  De  Woloke ; 
very  sick,  fears  to  die.  I  talked  plainly  about  death  and 
need  of  Christian  faith. 

Friday,  19. — Waited  all  day  for  boats — walked  about 
with  Capt.  Parmelee.  Rainy  and  wet  weather. 

Saturday,  20. — Breakfasted,  and  at  nine  o'clock  set  out 
for  Lake  George,  rowed  to  Sabbath-day-point ;  we  took  a 
mouthful,  then  \vitha  fair  hard  wind  came  at  a  great  rate  up 
to  Lake  George  by  six  o'clock.  Saw  Mr.  Curtiss  and  never  a 
a  man  so  altered.  I  wish  he  may  get  home — fear  he  will 
not — yet  well,  if  he  does  not.  The  Lord  directs.  Visited 
one  hospital  and  prayed  with  the  regiment  at  sunset.  Capt. 
Holt  in  a  sad  low  state.  Slept  with  Col.  Buel ;  comfortable. 

Lord's  Day,  21. — Rose  early  and  visited  the  west  hos- 
pital, so  far  as  I  could  stand  it,  but  not  the  rest  until  night. 
Never  was  such  a  portrait  of  human  misery,  as  in  these  hos- 
pitals. Prayed  several  times.  Concluded  to  preach  over  the 
other  side  A.  M.,  on  "  Be  ye  therefore  sober  and  watch  unto 
prayer."  In  the  P.M.  at  four  o'clock  preached  this  side  to 
a  great  many  people.  At  evening  preached  again.  Visited 
the  hospitals,  prayed  with  the  sick,  got  greatly  fatigued,  how- 
ever rested  pretty  well. 

Monday,  22. — Applied  myself  to  my  duties — indeed  it  is 
too  much,  but  I  am  carried  along — visited  part  and  left  the 
rest  for  night.  Wrote  home  to  my  father,  also  to  brothers 
Keep  and  Starr.  Visited  the  long  hospital  this  side.  P.  M. 


32 

Mr.  Spring  came  and  helped  me  visit  the  others  at  night. 
Called  on  Col.  Reed  (who  is  made  Brigadier)  and  on  his  re- 
quest agreed  to  serve  his  regiment  with  ours  as  chaplain. 
Near  nightfall  felt  unwell  but  slept  some. 

Tuesday,  23. — Sent  for  early,  to  visit  Capt.  Mann's  son — 
he  is  near  his  end.  Afterwards  advised  with  the  surgeon  and 
agreed  to  take  a  vomit  directly,  tartar  emetic,  and  never  was 
poor  mortal  more  terribly  handled,  yet  not  quite  come  to 
spasms;  evidently  it  was  very  necessary — was  comfortably 
attended  ;  officers  very  kind  to  me.  Unable  to  go  out  till 
sunset.  News  of  French  fleet  of  fifty  sail  on  the  coast,  in 
consequence  of  Mr.  Dean  pledging  the  public  faith  of  the 
Continent,  that  Independence  be  declared,  &c.,  &c. 

Wednesday,  24. — Sent  for  early  to  visit  Col.  Reed,  fear 
he  won't  live,  bad  symptoms.  Prayed  four  times  this  morn- 
ing with  the  sick — fear  death  will  do  its  work.  Concluded 
not  to  go  over,  but  by  earnest  desire  tarry  a  few  days,  but 
Mr.  Spring  must  visit  the  general  hospital.  Deaths  have 
been  about  five  a  day,  for  some  days  past.  A  great  mortality 
but  not  so  frequent  as  has  been.  Mr.  Curtiss  came  to  my 
room,  endeavored  to  comfort  him,  he  appeared  rather  better, 
but  excessive  low  in  spirits.  Visited  Col.  Reed  again  at 
evening  and  prayed  with  him,  the  regiment,  &c.  At  nine 
o'clock  at  night  sent  for  with  Mr.  Spring  to  visit  the  Prussian 
General,  De  Woloke,  who  was  pronounced  by  the  chief  doc- 
tor to  be  a  dying  man.  A  very  singular  trial  t  had.  He 
most  earnestly  requested  that  I  administer  the  sacrament  to 
him,  that  he  had  made  his  peace  with  God  and  nothing  re- 
mained but  to  do  his  last  command.  I  felt  that  he  was  de- 
luded. I  endeavored  to  show  him  that  God  did  not  require 
it — that  if  he  truly  believed  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  he 
would  be  accepted.  He  was  so  weak  he  could  not  converse 
much.  I  prayed  with  him  and  Mr.  Spring  said  the  Lord's 
prayer  at  his  desire,  and  we  left  him.  Lieut.  Riley  grows 
worse,  fear  about  him. 


33 

Thursday,  25. — I  want  a  constitution  of  brass  to  tarry 
here  and  do  duty  as  seems  necessary.  Very  hot,  faint  weather. 
Visited  Col.  Reed,  then  some  of  the  other  sick,  but  utterly 
unable  to  go  through  the  hospital.  Reproved  several  sharply 
for  swearing.  Conversed  agreeably  with  Mr.  Spring. 

Friday,  26. — Conversed  with  Doctor  Potts  who  informed 
me  I  must  instantly  take  ipecac ;  the  bile  was  collecting  so 
fast,  it  would  throw  me  into  the  inflammatory  camp  disorder. 
I  took  a  solution  of  manna,  cream  of  tartar,  senna  and  an- 
ise seed  ;  had  a  sick  day. 

Saturday,  27. — Concluded  by  advice  of  Doctor  Lynn, 
Col.  Buel  and  Mr.  Spring,  to  try  to  get  down  a  little  way 
into  the  country.  Went  in  a  waggon  with  Dr.  Beebe  and 
Dr.  Waterman — arrived  at  Fort  Edward  toward  night. 

Lord's  Day,  28. — Sick,  and  had  high  fever.  Was  brought 
in  a  waggon  to  Saratoga,  to  Mr.  Petits'. 

Monday,  29. — Was  brought  in  a  carriage  to  Stillwater, 
where  Doct.  Merwin  attended  me,  who  says  my  disorder  is 
of  the  dissolvent  putrid  kind.  He  talked  encouragingly  but 
says  no  prospect  of  my  being  able  to  return  to  the  camp  and 
to  my  duties  under  three  or  four  weeks,  and  as  I  could  ride 
a  little  recommended  me  to  try  to  get  home.  I  am  pecu- 
liarly unfitted  to  do  the  duties  of  a  chaplain,  on  account  of 
my  bilious^  constitution.  I  envy  brother  Avery  his  health. 
He  will  go  through  the  hospital  when  pestiferous  as  disease 
and  death  can  make  it  with  a  face  as  smooth  as  a  baby's  and 
afterward  an  appetite  as  healthy  as  a  woodchopper.  I  can- 
not— after  inhaling  such  diseased  breath,  am  sick  and  faint, 
besides  their  sorrows  take  hold  of  me.  I  would  not  shrink 
from  the  work.  Our  war  is  a  righteous  war;  our  men  are 
called  to  defend  the  country ;  whole  congregations  turn  out, 
and  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  should  go  and  encourage 
them  when  doing  duty,  attend  and  pray  for  and  with  them 
when  sick,  and  bury  them  when  they  die.  I  hope  to  return 
to  my  work. 

5 


34 

Tuesday ',  30. — Came  a  little  ways.     I  am  better  to-day. 

Wednesday,  31. — Rode  in  a  chair  to  Albany,  then  to 
Greenbush. 

Thursday,  August  1. — To  McKinntry's.  Friday,  2. — 
To  Sheffield.  Saturday,  3. — Home,  and  have  I  trust  a 
grateful  sense  of  the  Divine  goodness. 

Monday,  August  19. — Took  leave  of  friends  at  home  to 
join  the  regiment ;  came  in  company  with  Capt.  Watson, 
both  of  us  feeble  soldiers. 

Tuesday,  20. — Came  to  Kinderhook.  Ensign  Cowles 
passed  us  on  another  road.  We  heard  of  the  death  of  Mr. 
Curtiss.  News  by  express  that  the  ships  got  out  of  the  river. 

Wednesday,  21. — Came  on,  met  Major  Curtiss  who  is  very 
ill,  fear  he  will  not  recover.  It  rained,  arrived  in  Albany, 
saw  Capt.  Woodbridge,  Lieut.  Stevens  and  others. 

Thursday,  22. — Proceeded  to  Saratoga.  Heard  of  Doct. 
Sutton's  illness,  rode  back  in  the  evening  a  mile  to  see  him. 
He  is  very  low,  fear  how  it  will  terminate.  Prayed  at  his 
request  and  returned  to  my  lodgings. 

Friday,  23. — Rose  early  and  rode  back  to  visit  the  Doct. ; 
prayed  and  counselled  and  took  leave.  Breakfasted  with 
Capt.  Watson  and  came  on  to  Fort  Edward  ;  called  ut  Seiah's, 
where  was  poor  Heman  Watson  in  a  distressed  condition, 
hardly  think  he  will  ever  be  able  to  get  any  farther.  Left 
Capt.  Watson.  Rode  with  Doct.  Potts  to  Lake  George.  He 
told  me  it  was  at  the  risk  of  my  life  to  go  into  the  hospitals. 
But  if  the  physician  goes,  why  not  a  minister  of  the  great 
Physician.  Lodged  in  Col.  Buel's  quarters.  Mr.  Breck  here 
and  Mr.  Avery  who  is  sick. 

Saturday,  24. — Mr.  Breck  went  to  Ticonderoga.  Mr. 
Avery  has  the  fever  and  ague.  Went  to  look  for  my  horse, 
but  he  was  taken  without  leave.  At  noon  Capt.  Watson 
arrived  and  Stephen  with  my  chest.  Lodged  well  in  a 
camp  bed. 


Lord's  Day,  25. — Rose  early ;  was  applied  to  by  sundry 
to  preach,  but  spoke  discouragingly  about  it.  Tried  to  get 
a  boat  to  pass  the  Lake.  At  night,  read,  sang,  and  prayed 
with  the  York  forces,  all  drawn  up  near  the  fort.  Mr.  Avery 
had  a  terribly  hard  ague,  from  nine  in  the  morning  till  twelve 
at  night — delirious.  At  midnight  a  hard  storm  came  on. 

Monday,  26. — Very  stormy  and  rainy;  concluded  riot  to 
go  over  the  Lake.  Visited  a  poor,  dying  man  in  the  bake- 
house. Lieutenant  Kemble  is  with  us,  to  go  over  when  the 
weather  permits. 

Tuesday,  27 — .It  continued  stormy,  could  make  but  few 
calls.  Mr.  Avery  who  we  thought  was  almost  proof  against 
disease,  had  another  fit  to-day.  Mr.  Burrall  and  Mr.  Beebe 
came. 

Wednesday,  28. — Visited  Gen.  Reed,  prayed  with  him — 
he  is  very  low.  At  noon  it  cleared  away  with  strong  wind 
ahead,  could  not  go,  one  boat  only  set  off. 

Thursday,  29. — Made  early  preparation  for  going  to  Ti- 
conderoga;  am  obliged  to  go  in  a  heavily  loaded  boat;  a 
great  company  went  with  Mr.  Burrall ;  set  off  at  four  o'clock, 
wind  ahead,  rowed  hard  ten  miles,  put  in  at  Darkwest.  It 
was  contrary  to  orders  because  the  savages  are  prowling  about 
there,  but  could  not  reach  Twelve-mile  island.  Capt.  Wright 
pitched  his  tent  in  a  thick  wood  on  very  wet  ground,  but  we 
agreed  to  lodge  and  spread  our  blankets.  Got  a  little  sleep. 
It  was  very  uncomfortable  in  the  tents  for  it  rained  a  great 
part  of  the  night.  Kindled  a  fire  and  sat  by  it  a  great  part 
of  the  night.  This  is  soldier  like — the  romance  is  some- 
thing, but  a  poor  balance  for  the  fatigue  and  self-denial — but 
I  do  not  mind  it,  if  I  can  keep  sound  in  body  and  clear  in 
voice. 

Friday,  30. — Morning  calm  but  chilly,  off  early,  came  to 
an  island  and  breakfasted  on  fish  and  pork ;  proceeded  to 
Sabbath-day-point,  came  on,  was  in  hopes  to  reach  Ticon- 
deroga  but  fell  short  seven  miles,  some  lodged  on  land,  some 
in  the  boat.  Slept  comfortable. 


36 

Saturday,  31. — Came  to  landing  at  seven  o'clock  ;  break- 
fasted on  bread^and  cheese  with  Lake  water  with  Doct.  Bee- 
be  and  Mr.  Burrall.  We  got  over  onr  baggage  and  walked 
to  Ticonderoga.  Moved  over  to  our  brigade  at  Mount  Inde- 
pendence, found  our  poor  regiment  like  the  rest  of  the  brig- 
ade in  a  down,  sickly  state.  Colonel  poorly,  Major  not  well ; 
took  lodgings  with  the  Major,  Adjutant  and  Quarter-master. 
Was  cordially  received.  At  evening  visited  B.  Seward,  con- 
versed and  prayed  with  him,  poor  man  I  fear  he  will  die. 
Slept  with  the  Major  in  a  new  bunk. 

Lord's  Day,  September  1. — Visited  the  sick  round  about  in 
tents,  was  introduced  to  Mr.  Davids,  a  chaplain.  Towards 
night  preached  to  the  brigade,  a  serious  and  attentive  audience. 

Monday,  2. — Visited  the  rounds  ;  whenever  I  could,  would 
try  to  impart  consolation  and  hope — but  am  often  tried 
— can  only  direct  them  to  the  Redeemer  of  men  ;  they  gen- 
erally listen  to  prayer.  P.  M.,  went  over  to  Ticonderoga 
with  Mr.  Breck  and  Davids.  Viewed  the  encampments  of 
the  Pennsylvanians;  a  new  recruit  from  Boston;  saw  and 
got  acquainted  with  Mr.  Emerson  and  Hitchcock.  Politely 
received  by  Col.  DeHaas.  Returned  at  night.  Col.  Burrall 
quite  poorly. 

Tuesday,  3.— Went  in  the  morning  with  Mr.  Breck  to  see 
the  General  about  wages.  P.  M. — Walked  through  the 
whole  encampment.  The  woods  swarm  with  men.  Many 
militia-men  arrived.  Lieut.  Converse  and  Mr.  Beach  taken 
sick.  News  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Barnum  of  Pittsfield.  There 
is  not  one  field  officer  in  our  brigade  except  Major  Sedg- 
wick  who  is  not  sick. 

Wednesday,  4. — Pleasant  wholesome  weather.  Cols.  Por- 
ter and  Gratton  quite  low.  News  from  New  York  of  impor- 
tance, also  from  Mohawk  river.  At  night  prayed  and  sang 
with  the  brigade.  This  exercise  is  often  held  on  the  parade 
ground,  when  the  music  march  up  and  the  drummers  lay 
jtheir  drums  in  a  very  neat  style  in  two  rows,  one  above  the 


37 

other ;  it  always  takes  five,  and  often  the  rows  are  very  long ; 
occasionally  they  make  a  platform  for  me  to  stand  upon 
and  raise  their  drums  a  number  of  tier. 

Thursday,  5. — This  day  I  am  thirty-six  years  old,  thus 
kindly  preserved,  but.  alas,  how  useless.  Pleasant,  healthy 
weather ;  visited  the  sick,  &c.  Nothing  especial  to-day. 

Friday,  6. — Enjoy  through  great  mercy  good  health  in 
the  midst  of  sickness  and  death  all  around  me.  Col. 
Swift's  regiment  came  up;  saw  Lieut.  Watson.  News  of  a 
terrible  fight  of  our  fleet  down  the  lake.  The  camp  all 
awake.  Col.  Burrall  very  sick  with  the  intermittent  fever. 
Col.  Gratton  and  Col.  Porter  the  same.  Said  a  few  words  at 
prayers  from  the  Prophet  Joel.  "  A  day  of  trouble  and 
distress,  a  day  of  wasteness  and  desolation,  a  day  of  dark- 
ness and  of  gloominess,  a  day  of  clouds  and  thick  darkness, 
a  day  of  trumpet  and  alarm." — But  told  the  people  we  could 
rejoice  in  the  Lord,  who  could  turn  our  mourning  into  joy. 
In  the  evening  disputed  with  Mr.  Davids  about  the  seventh 
day,  his  mind  not  clear. 

Saturday,  7. — Rains.  Assisted  the  Quarter-master  ser- 
geant (the  Adjutant  absent,  sick)  in  making  the  weekly  re- 
turns. Stephen  is  taken  sick,  gave  him  medicine.  Col.  Bur- 
rail  is  some  better.  General  orders  this  morning  for  every 
officer  and  soldier  throughout  the  army  that  is  well  to  turn 
out  on  fatigue  and  prepare  for  the  enemy. 

Lord's  Day,  8. — Still  rainy  and  very  unwholesome  weath- 
er. Our  regiment  in  a  most  miserable  condition  ;  I  could 
wish  they  were  all.  dismissed.  Visited  this  day  tent  by  tent 
and  could  not  pass  one  single  tent  among  the  soldiers  where- 
in there  were  not  one  or  more  sick.  All  ordered  out  on  fa- 
tigue this  P.  M.,  so  could  have  no  sermon.  At  night  attend- 
ed the  funeral  of  B.  Seward.  There  is  something  more  than 
ordinarily  solemn  and  touching  in  our  funerals,  especially  an 
officer's;  swords  and  arms  inverted,  others  with  their  arms 
folded  across  their  breast  stepping  slowly  to  the  beat  of  the 


38 

muffled  drum  t  endeavor  to  say  something  that  will  lead 
to  meditation,  but  only  a  word.  At  ten  o'clock  this  evening 
the  Adjutant  General  (Col.  Trumbull)  came  through  the 
whole  camp  on  private  business.  There  is  something  of 
importance  come  to  head  quarters. 

Monday,  9. — Spent  considerable  part  of  the  day  with 
Col.  Burrall  who  is  really  very  ill.  Visited  and  prayed  with 
the  sick  in  their  tents.  Mr.  Breck  very  sick.  Col.  Gratton, 
a  little  better ;  went  off  to  Fort  George  ;  this  day  I  sent  sev- 
enty-two dollars  to  my  wife  by  Elijah  Phelps.  No  news 
from  the  fleet,  which  gives  great  anxiety. 

Tuesday,  10. — Cloudy  chilly  weather.  Capt.  Burrall  has 
come — concludes  to  take  the  old  Col.  home  if  he  can.  We 
all  advise  it,  as  his  life  is  in  danger  here.  Walked  with  Mr. 
Tennent  through  the  whole  camp.  Mr.  Beach  went  off  to- 
day for  the  country.  The  groans  of  the  distressed  in  the 
camp  are  real  affecting.  Capt.  Troop  very  poorly,  so  is  Capt. 
Austin — only  Capt.  Watson  left.  Not  fifty  men  really  fit 
for  duty.  The  Major  is  disheartened  in  trying  to  turn  out 
men  according  to  the  requisition  made.  News  at  night  that 
the  fleet  is  yet  safe.  Five  men  killed  going  on  shore.  A 
great  number  of  officers  in  the  evening — too  gay  company 
for  me  but  I  must  put  up  with  it  as  well  as  I  can ;  feel  dis- 
pirited, but  it  is  not  strange. 

Wednesday,  11. — The  Maj.  and  I  escorted  the  Col.  down 
to  the  water  side  ;  he  is  truly  weak  and  it  is  doubtful  wheth- 
er he  gets  home,  at  least  in  a  long  time.  P.  M. — Indisposed  ; 
at  evening  attended  prayers  with  the  brigade.  Spent  some 
time  with  Pease  and  Hamlin,  both  sick.  We  are  full  of  fears 
about  the  southward  army. 

Thursday,  12. — Pleasant  air,  walked  out,  visited  and 
prayed  with  the  sick ;  called  on  Mr.  Davids  who  has  a  turn 
of  the  intermittent.  Spent  some  time  with  Mr.  Breck  who 
lives  retired.  I  wish  I  could.  The  company  here  is  very 
irksome  many  times.  P.  M. — Walked  down  to  the  lines ; 


39 

sundry  cannon  fired,  to  clear  out  and  prove  with  double  car- 
tridges. At  eve  read,  prayed  and  sung  with  a  larger  number 
of  the  brigade  than  common,  chiefly  Gratton's  and  our  regi- 
ment. 

Friday,  13. — Cloudy  and  wet.  My  heart  is  grieved  as  I 
visit  the  poor  soldiers — such  distress  and  miserable  accommo- 
dations. One  very  sick  youth  from  Massachusetts  asked  me 
to  save  him  if  possible  ;  said  he  was  not  fit  to  die,  says,  "  I  can- 
not die,  do,  sir,  pray  for  me,  will  you  not  send  for  my  mother, 
if  she  were  here  to  nurse  me  I  could  get  well ;  O  my  mother, 
how  I  wish  I  could  see  her,  she  was  opposed  to  my  enlisting, 
I  am  now  very  sorry,  do  let  her  know  I  am  sorry."  I  en- 
deavored to  point  him  to  the  only  source  of  peace,  prayed 
and  left  him;  he  cannot  live  long.  lam  determined  to  move 
my  quarters  unless  they  are  different  here.  Talked  and  re- 
proved Maj.  B w,  but  to  no  purpose  I  fear.  Many  by 

their  wickedness  do  more  hurt  a  thousand  fold  than  they 
themselves  do  good  in  the  cause.  Entertained  yesterday 
and  to-day  what  time  I  could  get  in  reading  Walker's 
knowledge  of  ourselves,  &c.  Conversed  freely  with  the 
Major  about  our  company.  We  have  concluded  to  put  up 
with  it  a  little  longer  on  his  urgency.  At  night  Stephen 
came  from  Shoram — no  better — concerned  about  him,  fits 
every  night,  &c.  I  encouraged  him  to  go  to  Lake  George 
and  home  if  he  can  possibly  get  leave. 

Saturday,  14. — Wind  in  the  north ;  more  wholesome 
weather  for  the  poor  sick.  After  all  our  attempts  to  get  the 
sick  away,  yet  could  not  obtain  consent ;  what  will  they  do, 
my  bowels  yearn  for  them.  Several  in  our  regiment  must 
die  I  think.  In  Bond's  regiment,  by  returns  to-day,  197  sick 
besides  those  absent,  and  forty  only  that  are  well.  P.  M. — 
Consulted  seriously  with  the  Major  and  Doctor  about  the 
sick,  on  the  whole  concluded  to  certify  to  the  General  six- 
teen of  the  worst  cases  that  could  be  moved,  to  go  to  Fort 
George  and  send  an  officer  and  men  to  convey  them.  Ac- 


40 

cordingly  I  went  with  the  Doctor  from  tent  to  tent  through 
the  whole  regiment,  examined  all,  and  the  Major  and  Doctor 
certified,  and  Captain  Austin  obtained  of  the  General  permis- 
sion. Some  serious  and  profitable  conversation  this  evening 
in  Lieut.  Mills'  tent. 

Lord's  Day,  15. — Rained  last  night — warm  to-day.  This 
morning  my  boy  Stephen  took  a  vomit,  he  is  very  weak  but 
hope  to  get  him  to  Fort  George.  Visited  Woodruff  of  the 
Train,  fear  he  will  not  live.  Stirred  up  the  Doctor  and 
talked  with  Maj.  Bigelow  about  getting  him  and  others 
away.  Retired  in  Doct.  Swift's  tent  and  read.  At  one 
o'clock  our  poor  sick  went  off.  Sixteen  of  them  for  Fort 
George — miserable  company ;  I  fear  sundry  of  them  will 
never  reach  home.  Visited  Mr.  Breck — he  is  comfortable — 
he  agrees  to  preach  at  four  o'clock,  attended  the  exercise — 
his  text,  "  But  whom  say  ye  that  I  arn."  Attentive  audience. 
Officers  met  in  the  evening,  to  agree  about  filling  up  va- 
cancies. 

Monday,  16. — Rose  early,  walked  to  the  lines,  cool  morn- 
ing. Post  came,  brought  me  a  letter  from  home  and  another 
from  brother  L.  LeBaron.  He  is  a  warm  patriot  and  would 
like  to  continue  his  chaplaincy.  Went  with  Mr.  Breck  to 
visit  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson  who  is  very  low.  At  sunset  prayed, 
read,  &c.,  with  the  brigade. 

Tuesday,  17. — Wet,  misty  weather ;  nothing  remarkable. 
Read  at  prayers  resolutions  of  Congress  about  wounded  sol- 
diers, &c.  Officers  met  this  evening  to  fill  up  the  regiment. 
&c.,  &c.  Sat  up  very  late. 

Wednesday,  18. — Saw  four  deserters  of  Col.  Porter's  reg- 
iment flogged.  Went  with  Stephen  to  the  General  and  ob- 
tained a  furlough  for  him  for  twelve  days.  Was  treated  very 
politely  by  the  General  who  is  worried  out  with  applications. 
Heard  that  Col.  Burrall  was  not  likely  to  get  home.  It  ap- 
pears that  Col.  Gratton  must  die — a  most  amiable  man.  P.  M. 
Mr.  Breck  and  I  visited  Col.  Maxwell — a  man  of  handsome 
manners  as  are  most  of  the  officers. 


41 

Thursday,  19. — Mild  and  pleasant.  Visited  the  rounds. 
Received  a  letter  from  brother  Starr.  Brother  Gould*  sick 
and  returned  from  New  York.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Brinsmade. 
People  get  out  more  generally  to  prayers. 

Friday,  20. — Foggy,  chilly  morning  ;  we  want  fire.  Mr. 
Davids  went  off  to  day  sick  for  Stillwater.  P.  M. — Pleasant. 
Wrote  to  my  father.  Greater  number  at  prayers  than  ever, 
and  a  very  perceptible  gain  in  health.  Serjeant  Phelps  very 
ill  with  cholic.  Amos  Phelps  down  with  fever  and  ague. 

Saturday,  21. — Misty  and  wet  until  ten  o'clock,  then 
clear  as  is  often  the  case  here.  Visited  the  sick,  none  I  hope 
dangerous  in  our  regiment — worse  in  Col.  Gratton's.  P.  M. 
Walked  round  with  the  Major.  He  listened  to  some  serious 
conversation.  General  orders  appear  to-day  for  to-morrow, 
that  all  labor,  &c.  shall  cease.  Divine  service  to  be  attended 
at  eleven  o'clock  in  every  brigade.  I  am  sorry  the  appoint- 
ment is  on  the  Sabbath,  but  it  is  a  southern  custom. 

Lord's  Day,  22. — Cloudy  in  the  morning  as  usual  but 
cleared  away.  Attended  divine  service  on  the  parade  ground 
— a  convenient  place  built  up  for  me,  the  whole  brigade  un- 
der arms  attended,  and  great  number  of  other  officers  and 
spectators.  I  preached  from  Daniel  v,  23,  with  great  free- 
dom and  plainness.  A  very  attentive  audience ;  was  hoarse 
and  some  exhausted  after  I  got  through.  The  officers  and 
soldiers  observed  the  Sabbath  in  such  a  manner  that  it  seem- 
ed more  like  a  Sabbath-day  than  any  I  have  seen  in  the  army. 
Met  at  evening,  at  which  I  proposed  to  amend  and  reform 
the  singing  which  had  a  good  effect.  Prayed,  sang  and  dis- 
missed. 

Monday,  23. — Early  this  morning  heard  of  my  worldly 
loss  of  seventy-two  dollars  sent  by  Elijah  Phelps  for  my 
wife — it  is  a  frown,  but  trifling  to  what  it  might  be.  Walked 

*  William  Gould,  M.D.,  of  Manchester,  whose  wife  was  a  sister  of  the  writer. 
He  was  at  this  tune  a  Surgeon  in  the  army. 

6 


42 

round  the  camp,  &c.  P.  M. — Ensign  Sedgwick  and  Esq. 
Porter  of  Cornwall  came.  Lieut.  Converse  returned.  We 
are  in  better  condition. 

Tuesday,  24. — Am  threatened  with  the  camp  distemper, 
which  is  a  dreadful  disease  here.  P.  M. — Better.  Walked 
about  and  attended  as  usual. 

Wednesday ',  25. — News  of  importance  from  New  York. 
At  evening  received  a  letter  from  my  wife,  saying  herself  and 
children  unwell.  Wrote  to  brother  at  Plymouth  by  one  of 
his  congregation. 

Thursday,  26. — Got  acquainted  with  Kinsman  Baldwin 
who  married  Sally  Foot,  an  Ensign  in  Col.  Swift's  regiment. 
We  are  busy  in  building  our  chimney.  Mr.  Hitchcock  in- 
vites me  to  preach  on  the  other  side  on  the  Sabbath  to  Gen. 
Briket's  brigade.  Mr.  Breck  and  I  walked  about,  visited,  &c. 
This  day  the  general-doctor  examined  our  sick — fourteen 
were  discharged.  Mr.  Hotchkiss  came  from  Norfolk.  Noth- 
ing remarkable. 

Friday,  27. — Walked  a  mile  with  Capt.  Troop ;  procured 
a  few  turnips,  have  a  bad  cold,  but  able  to  keep  about  and 
attend  to  my  duties.  News  not  so  good  from  New  York  as 
heard.  The  city  evacuated,  &c.  Every  preparation  making 
here  for  an  attack. 

Saturday,  28. — Took  a  moderate  sweat  last  night,  and 
am  better  of  my  hoarseness.  Have  a  most  excessive  itching 
humor — it  is  one  of  the  camp  troubles.  Too  much  company 
to-day.  It  is  very  difficult  to  conduct  as  one  ought.  Noth- 
ing remarkable. 

Lord's  Day,  29. — Was  roused  last  night  by  a  violent 
shower — the  roof  leaked  and  it  poured  in  upon  our  bed. 
Some  company  at  home  very  disagreeable  for  the  sabbath. 
No  exercises  nor  evening  prayers. 

Monday,  30. — Pleasant  weather  but  very  windy.  Had 
much  company  in  and  out.  Visited  the  sick,  &c.  Wrote 
to  Esq.  Palmer,  concerning  my  lost  money.  More  particular 


43 

accounts  from  New  York — not  so  bad  as  heard,  but  the  city 
certainly  evacuated.  Helped  the  Capt.  make  the  abstracts. 
Prayed  at  night  with  the  brigade.  Sometimes  Tibbals,  who 
strikes  the  drum  admirably,  gives  it  a  touch  at  the  right  time  I 
when  we  are  singing — it  is  beautiful  harmony.  A  soft  fife 
is  also  an  addition. 

Tuesday,  October  1. — Thus  one  month  rolls  on  after  an- 
other. It  was  expected  the  enemy  would  most  certainly 
come  by  this  time,  and  now  they  are  looked  for  in  one  fort- 
night more,  after  which  there  will  be  no  probability  of  their 
coming.  Walked  the  rounds,  &c. 

Wednesday,  2. — Have  something  of  the  camp  distemper 
— but  not  the  distressing  pains  many  have.  This  day  the 
two  other  row  gallies  set  off.  Gen.  Waterbury  gone. 

Thursday,  3. — Assisted  the  Major  in  paying  off  the  Cap- 
tains. Kept  my  bed. 

Friday,  4. — Spikenard  I  believe  is  of  special  service  in 
this  disorder.  Eat  nothing  but  dry  bread  or  biscuit. 

Saturday,  5. — Damp,  cloudy  weather.  Poorly,  but  went 
out  and  prayed  with  a  sick  man.  Had  some  profitable  con- 
versation with  others,  but  in  general  the  talk  is  very  chaffy 
and  light  with  the  most  of  them. 

Lord's  Day,  6. — Cloudy.  Feel  much  better  to-day.  Con- 
cluded as  it  is  so  damp  and  likely  to  rain  to  meet  in  the  Lab- 
oratory. Mr.  Breck  preached  A.  M.  Mr.  Tennent  P.  M.  I 
concluded  with  prayer.  Not  so  uncomfortable  a  Sabbath  as 
some,  but  not  as  in  the  down  country. 

Monday,  7. — Rainy  weather.  Court  martial  at  our  house. 
Visited  about  some,  &c.  General  orders  to  picket  the  Fort 
directly,  three  hundred  ordered  on  fatigue  till  finished. 

Tuesday,  8. — Wet,  lowery  weather.  The  labor  brisk  at 
the  pickets,  &c. 

Wednesday,  9. — A  number  of  sick  soldiers  went  over  the 
Lake.  Walked  out  to  see  Mr.  Tennent — then  walked  the 
rounds. 


44 

Thursday,  10. — Walked,  visited,  &c.,  but  not  profitably. 
Samuel  Mills  very  poorly.  Nothing  remarkable. 

Friday,  11. — Pleasant  weather.  Our  parade  being  cut  to 
pieces,  &c.  Mr.  Breck  and  I  agreed  to  attend  prayers  apart 
— I,  to  attend  our  regiment  and  Gratton's — he,  the  other 
two  ;  time,  sunrise,  and  the  evening  gun. 

Saturday,  12. — Cold  weather.  Lieut.  Gibbs  of  Winches- 
ter came.  No  news. 

Lord's  Day,  13. — Agreed  to  preach,  tho'  feeble.  Attend- 
ed at  eleven  o'clock,  but  the  attention  of  the  people  taken 
up  by  a  smart  cannonading  from  the  fleets  which  began  in 
the  morning.  At  noon  express  arrived  with  accounts  of  the 
battle  on  Friday  down  the  Lake.  All  the  camp  alarmed. 
Towards  night  the  whole  army  drawn  up  to  the  Lines,  &c., 
to  take  the  alarm  posts.  Five  vessels  that  were  left  of  the 
fleet  came  in  in  a  shattered  condition.  The  rest  all  des- 
troyed. This  evening  Col.  Buel  came. 

Monday,  14. — No  sleep  last  night — alarms — the  whole 
camp  in  arms  at  four  o'clock  this  morning,  but  no  approach 
of  the  enemy.  Took  a  walk  for  meditation. 

Tuesday,  15. — Gen.  Arnold  got  in,  and  his  troops  that  es- 
caped in  the  woods.  Gen.  Waterbury  with  all  the  prisoners 
were  sent  down  from  Crown  Point  and  are  here  ordered  home. 
I  walked  over  to  head-quarters,  visited  the  wounded  and  a 
horrible  spectacle  they  were.  Desired  by  the  General  to  go 
to  Fort  George  with  the  sick  and  wounded  of  the  Fleet.  I 
agreed  to  go,  but  it  was  with  reluctance.  Got  my  chest  over 
to  the  mills — lodged  with  Lieut.  Murray.  Alarms.  The 
scout  discovered  a  number  of  the  enemy  advancing  towards 
this  post.  We  were  up  at  three  o'clock.  Indians  and  Cana- 
dians lurking  about. 

Wednesday,  16. — Walked  over  early  to  get  my  chest  along, 
dined  at  a  blockhouse  with  Capt.  Keith  and  Lieut.  Tappan 
of  Bridgwater  and  Middleborough.  At  three  o'clock  set  out 
for  Fort  George,  rowed  on — calm,  very  dark,  came  by  east- 


ern  shore — very  still  by  Sabbath-day-point  because  of  the 
enemy ;  passed  a  very  uncomfortable  night,  no  sleep — noisy 
swearing  sailors.  At  two  o'clock  the  wind  rose,  blew  hard 
from  the  North-west,  and  while  I  was  at  the  bow  discovering 
the  islands  and  Capt.  Goforth  in  the  stern,  the  rudder  band 
broke.  We  lay  at  the  mercy  of  the  waves,  but  floated  along 
near  an  island — came  near  dashing  to  pieces  several  times  on 
the  rocks — tried  to  land  in  vain,  but  at  last  by  a  gracious 
Providence  got  in  the  lee  side  and  all  lay  in  the  boat  until 
day.  It  rained  hard — my  heart  grieved  for  the  sick  soldiers 
on  board.  In  the  morning  we  got  into  Lake  George — very 
wet  and  benumbed  with  the  cold.  O  could  I  once  have 
thought  that  I  could  endure  and  undergo  and  safely  go 
through  such  fatigue.  Great  has  been  the  signal  mercies  of 
God. 

Thursday,  17. — Breakfasted  at  Jones',  afterwards  shifted 
all  my  clothes,  lay  down  and  took  a  nap  in  my  blanket.  At 
two  o'clock  P.  M.,  visited  all  the  hospitals — saw  the  wounded 
soldiers  dressed  by  the  surgeon.  Prayed  in  four  or  five 
wards  ;  came  to  Selah's  to  sleep. 

Friday,  18. — Flying  rumors  from  the  army,  nothing  cer- 
tain. 

Saturday,  19. — Got  some  clothes  washed,  feel  tolerably 
well.  P.  M.,  rode  down  to  Fort  Edward,  found  a  Mrs.  Camp- 
bell of  New  York,  she  appeared  to  be  a  good  Christian. 
She  was  rejoiced  to  tears  to  hear  Christian  conversation  ;  re- 
turned to  camp,  slept  well. 

Lord's  Day,  20. — Felt  dizzy  and  weak,  and  rode  to  the 
hospital,  but  not  without  some  fear  of  the  skulking  savages. 
Visited  the  general  hospital  in  almost  every  ward  ;  at  two 
o'clock,  preached  and  exhorted  the  sick  and  prayed  with 
them.  No  news  from  the  army  to-day.  Militia  coming  up 
this  way  ;  wrote  to  Maj.  Sedgwick  and  Rev.  Mr.  Farrand. 

Monday,  21. — Pleasant  warm  weather.  Feel  the  effects 
of  a  camp  life. 


46 

Tuesday ',  22. — Rode  to  the  lake,  visited  every  ward  through 
the  whole  hospital  :  two  or  three  just  breathing  their  last, 
prayed  with  them  and  tried  to  impress  the  living.  The  fre- 
quency of  death  often  hardens.  No  news  from  camp. 

Wednesday,  23. — Rode  to  Stillwater  with  Col.  Syms, 
agreeable  man ;  have  not  the  least  encouragement  to  do  any 
thing  more,  worn  down  and  low  spirited,  met  militia  going  up. 

Thursday,  24. — Distress  about  here — in  fear  of  the  tories. 
Rode  with  Mr.  Hannah  to  Doct.  Parker's — returned  and  took 
tea  in  the  evening  with  Mr.  Spring. 

Friday,  25. — Rode  with  Mr.  Spring  and  called  on  General 
Tenbroeck  at  Fort  Edward  with  a  message  from  Gen. 
Schuyler,  returned,  lodged  with  Mr.  Spring.  News  of  the 
death  of  one  and  captivity  of  two  men  at  Ticonderoga 
landing. 

Saturday,  26. — Rode  down  to  the  lake,  found  Doct.  Stod- 
dard  with  the  sick  just  arrived.  Helped  the  sick  about  dis- 
charge, &c.  Visited  the  hospital,  two  have  died  with  their 
wounds.  Their  suffering  had  been  extreme — became  easy 
before  they  died — had  their  reason.  The  rest  I  hope  may 
live.  Many  more  distressed  creatures  came  over  near  night. 
They  have  a  good  surgeon — but  "  Physicians  of  no  value" 
to  these  mangled  men. 

Lord's  Day,  27. — Pleasant  weather,  militia  proceed  on  in 
great  numbers  to  the  lake.  Came  in  a  boat  to  Fort  Miller, 
then  in  a  waggon  to  McNeal's.  Kinderhook  regiment  came 
up  very  noisy. 

Monday,  28. — Came  to  Gen.  Schuyler's,  waited  on  the 
General,  told  him  I  was  broken  down — had  in  a  measure  lost 
my  voice,  &c.  He  was  very  loth  to  give  me  a  discharge 
but  very  ready  to  give  me  a  furlough.  Came  to  Bryant. 
An  express  passed  us  this  evening  with  good  news  from  the 
south. 

Tuesday,  29. — Came  to  Albany,  did  business  and  pro- 
ceeded towards  home. 


47 

Wednesday,  30. — Rode  on  horseback,  put  up. 

Thursday,  31. — Arrived  at  night  at  my  own  home  after 
near  three  months  absence — in  fatigue,  perils  and  dangers — 
having  experienced  the  most  distinguishing  marks  of  Divine 
mercy  and  favor.  Now,  O  for  a  heart  full  of  gratitude  and 
praise  and  resolution  to  live  thankful,  humble  and  faithful, 
being  laid  under  the  greatest  obligations  thereto. 


An  Inventory  of  my  Clothes, 


thick  cloth. 


A  Hat, 

"  Cloak, 

"  Great  Coat, 
A  Coat, 

"  Jacket  and 

Breeches. 
A  Coat  and 

Jacket. 
Breeches — knit, 
A  striped  Jacket, 
A  blue  Waistcoat, 
Two  pair  black  stockings, 
"      "     grey        " 
"      "     blue  yarns, 
One  pair  Indian  stockings, 
Two  pair  of  shoes, 
One  pair  of  boots, 
Seven  shirts, 
Three  bands, 
Three  long  neck  cloths, 
Three  stocks, 
One  silk  handkerchief, 
One  white          " 
One  check  " 

Gloves,  mitts, 


Buckles,  &c. 
One  bed  of  wool, 

"     Check  woolen  blanket, 

"     White,       " 

"     Pair  linen  sheets, 

"     Woolen  sheet, 

"     Pillow, 
Two  pillow  coats, 

"     Towels, 
One  tea-pot, 

"     Pewter  plate, 

"         "       Porringer, 

"     Spoon, 

"     Knife, 
Books, 
Sermons, 
Paper, 

Ink  and  quills, 
Pen-knife, 
Wafers, 
Drugs, 
Herbs, 
Soap, 

Loaf  and  brown  sugar, 
Two  case  bottles,  &c.  &c. 


48 
The  Length  of  the  Lakes,  &fc. 

Miles. 

From  Fort  George  to  Ticonderoga  landing,           .         .  36 

"  Ticonderoga  to  Crown  Point,           ...  15 

"  Thence  to  St.  Johns, 20 

"  Thence  to  Chamblee, 15 

"  Thence  to  the  mouth  Sorrell,      .         .         .         .15 

"  Thence  to  the  Three  Rivers,           ...  50 

"  Thence  to  Deshamble, 50 

"  Thence  to  Quebec, 35 


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